International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 321 (2025) 146597 Available online 6 August 2025 0141-8130/© 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Review Natural nanofibers for textile applications: A review on electrospinning of cellulose, chitin, and silk for sustainable functional materials Bekinew Kitaw Dejene a a Department of Textile Engineering, Institute of Technology, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia ARTICLE INFO Keywords: Natural nanofibers Electrospinning Sustainable textiles Cellulose Chitin Silk fibroin Antimicrobial fabrics Green materials Circular economy ABSTRACT The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance textiles has driven significant interest in natural nanofibers as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials such as plastics. Among the various fabrication techniques, electrospinning has emerged as a versatile method for producing ultrafine nanofibers from bio- polymers such as cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and silk, offering tunable properties for advanced textile applica- tions. Unlike previous reviews that typically focus on a single biopolymer or lack detailed comparisons across systems, this review provides a comprehensive and focused comparative analysis of cellulose, chitin, and silk nanofibers, emphasizing their electrospinnability, processing challenges, functional modifications, and potential applications in advanced textiles. Cellulose nanofibers, derived from plant or bacterial sources, demonstrate exceptional mechanical strength and biocompatibility; however, they require innovative solvent systems for effective electrospinning. Chitin and chitosan, sourced from marine waste, possess inherent antimicrobial and wound-healing properties; nevertheless, their rigid structures necessitate polymer blending or coaxial spinning for improved processability. Silk fibroin, renowned for its toughness and flexibility, is ideal for luxury and biomedical textiles; however, it faces challenges in scalable production. This review also discusses green elec- trospinning approaches, including solvent optimization and additive incorporation, to enhance fiber perfor- mance while minimizing environmental impact. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness of these nanofibers, highlighting their signifi- cance in the circular economy. Finally, future perspectives on scalability, multifunctional textiles, and regulatory barriers are discussed, providing a roadmap for research and commercialization. 1. Introduction The textile industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution, primarily through the release of microfibers from synthetic textiles into aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, shed a substantial amount of microfibers during domestic laundry, which can range from 9.6 mg to 1240 mg per kilogram of textile per wash [1,2]. Microfiber pollution is a critical environmental threat exacerbated by the lack of global regulations and standards for its effective management. Beyond laundry, the production and disposal of synthetic fibers pose severe environmental risks, as they are derived predominantly from petroleum-based chemicals, contributing signifi- cantly to carbon emissions [3,4]. These fibers are non-biodegradable and often release toxins into the environment, posing a danger to biodiversity and contributing to climate change [5]. In response to these environmental challenges, there is increasing interest in biodegradable and sustainable textile alternatives. Biodegradable textiles made from natural fibers offer a viable solution owing to their recyclability and reduced environmental impact. Regulatory bodies and environmental guidelines are promoting the development and use of textiles that minimize environmental footprints by shifting from synthetic to natural fibers [3,6]. For instance, the European Union's initiatives, such as the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, aim to transform the textile industry by promoting sustainable and circular textile products [7]. The move toward sustainable textiles also encourages the use of natural fibers, such as jute, flax, and sisal, which can potentially replace synthetic materials in various applications, reducing reliance on non- renewable resources. These natural fibers are not only biodegradable but also possess inherent properties, such as thermal and acoustic insulation, making them suitable for diverse applications [6,8]. How- ever, challenges remain, particularly regarding the mechanical proper- ties of natural fibers, which can be inferior to those of synthetic fibers [9–11]. Natural nanofibers have emerged as a transformative solution E-mail address: bekinewkitaw44k@gmail.com. Contents lists available at ScienceDirect International Journal of Biological Macromolecules journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijbiomac https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.146597 Received 1 June 2025; Received in revised form 20 July 2025; Accepted 4 August 2025