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Since textiles have a porous and hydrophilic structure, they are ideal substrates for the settlement and growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, fabrication of hydrophobic textiles to reduce their humidity has the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria. On this basis, we report here an improvement of the antibacterial capability of textiles coated with TiO2–SiO2/chitosan using hydrophobization. Synthesis of TiO2–SiO2clusters with chitosan was carried out using the sol–gel technique. In addition, hydrophobization of the textiles using hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) was carried out using a dip‐spin coating method. In addition, their characteristics were examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV‐DRS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water contact angle, and antibacterial activity. XRD, SEM, UV‐DRS, FTIR, and water contact angle confirmed the physical and chemical properties of the modified textiles. In summary, the present work shows that the hydrophobization of textiles using HDTMS can enhance the antibacterial capability of cotton textiles. Hydrophobic cotton textiles coated with TiO2–SiO2/chitosan were successfully prepared. It is shown that the hydrophobization of textiles using hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) can enhance their antibacterial capability.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are intensively investigated for their superior physical, chemical, and biological properties. A proper knowledge of these properties is essential to maximizing the potential applications of AgNPs in several areas while minimizing their risks to humans and the environment. This paper aims to critically review AgNPs from the perspectives of research trends, global consumption, synthesis, properties, and future challenges. Generally, AgNPs can be synthesized using three methods, namely physical, chemical, and biological, and the related works as well as their numerous advantages and disadvantages are presented in this review. In addition, AgNPs can be potentially explored for various applications. Future challenges on (AgNP) synthesis, their release into the environment, and scaling up production, as presented in the review, suggest that several potential topics for future works are available to promote a safer and more efficient use of these nanoparticles. Studies on AgNPs in Malaysia have increased since the Malaysian government officially established a directorate for nanotechnology development. This calls for a proper set of policies on AgNPs starting from their production to utilization as well as their effects on various related industries and the environment. This paper critically reviews silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the perspectives of research trends, global consumptions, synthesis, properties, and future challenges. Generally, the challenges faced are how green technique can be employed to produce other shapes rather than spherical, how the mechanisms and transportations of AgNPs in the environment, and how scaled up synthesis of AgNPs can be achieved. In Malaysia, a proper set of regulations to handle the use of AgNPs should be in place in the near foreseeable future.