For imparting antibacterial properties, nano-sized silver, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, triclosan and chitosan are used. Nano-silver particles have an extremely large relative surface area, thus increasing their contact with bacteria or fungi and vastly improving their bactericidal and fungicidal effectiveness. Nano-silver is very reactive with protein and shows antimicrobial properties at a concentration as low as 0.0003 to 0.0005%. When contacting bacteria and fungi, it will adversely affect cellular metabolism and inhibit cell growth. It also inhibits the multiplication and growth of those bacteria and fungi which cause infection, odor, itchiness and sores. Some synthetic antimicrobial nanoparticles are: - Triclosan, a chlorinated bis- phenol, is a synthetic, non-ionic and broad spectrum antimicrobial agent possessing mostly antibacterial properties along with some antifungal and antiviral properties. - Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, is effectively used as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, non-allergic and biocompatible. - ZnO nanoparticles have been widely used for their antibacterial and UV-blocking properties
