With today’s multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria and virus, nonwovens can help in the fight against cross-contamination and the spread of infection in a medical or surgical environment. Because they are used only once and incinerated after use, the need for handling is avoided and the spread of contaminants is minimised.
Nonwovens are also increasingly a major component in the design of "smart" wound care products, providing such functions as the creation of a moist wound healing environment, with controlled vapour transmission, absorbency and low skin adhesion.
Most recent nonwovens innovations include the design of new scaffolds for 3D biological tissue engineering, implantable fabrics that can reinforce natural tissues, and nanofiber nonwovens filtration media offering enhanced particle capture properties.
New nonwovens materials with improved finishes including liquid repellent, virus proof and bacterial barrier properties have also been developed for applications such as surgical masks, gowns and drapes.