Advances in chitosan-functionalized textile biomaterials: properties, modification strategies, performance evaluation and multifunctional applications.

Chitosan (CS), a naturally derived biopolymer found in chitin, has emerged as a promising candidate for enhancing textile biomaterials due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and intrinsic antimicrobial properties. In recent years, considerable attention has been given to the functionalization of textiles with CS, aiming to improve performance characteristics while enabling new applications across biomedical and industrial domains. This review highlights current advancements in CS-coated and CS-based textile composites, focusing on innovative fabrication techniques and chemical modification strategies that improve material properties such as mechanical strength, moisture regulation, bioactivity, and environmental sustainability. Functionalization approaches, including surface grafting, crosslinking, and nanoparticle incorporation, have significantly broadened the scope of CS in textile engineering. The resulting biomaterials exhibit multifunctionality, making them suitable for wound healing dressings, drug delivery platforms, fire retardant and antimicrobial clothing. Furthermore, the convergence of CS with smart textile technologies has enabled the development of intelligent materials responsive to environmental stimuli. This review also explores the challenges in scalability, durability, and regulatory approval that currently limit the commercialization of CS-based textiles. By integrating material science insights with application-driven perspectives, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of how CS is reshaping the future of functional textiles. The review ends by identifying gaps in research and proposing future directions for sustainable innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.