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Natural fibers like cotton, silk and wool are used for multipurpose applications ranging from clothing, healthcare and biomedical uses. Compared to synthetic fibers, natural fibers have disadvantages like low strength, low durability, and are sensitive to microbial and insect attacks. Although natural fibers are affordable, safe and biodegradable; with their above-stated limitations, their use is confined to various industrial applications and fields. This can be resolved by surface transformation or modification of the fibers to enhance physicochemical, biological and stability properties with improved functionality. Fiber augmentation methods allow deposition or coating of various bio and/or nanomaterials through conjugate molecules that improve material performances. Herein, we review the general nature of natural fibers (cotton, silk and wool) with a focus on transformation with novel bio and nanomaterials. We discuss ex-situ and in-situ coating strategies with organic, inorganic, and organic-inorganic composites for natural fiber functionalization. Further, major industrial applications; challenges and future prospects have also been elaborated. |
