Chemical targets to deactivate biological and chemical toxins using surfaces and fabrics

The most recent global health and economic crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has shown us that it is vital to be prepared for the next global threat, be it caused by pollutants, chemical toxins or biohazards. Therefore, we need to develop environments in which infectious diseases and dangerous chemicals cannot be spread or misused so easily. Especially, those who put themselves in situations of most exposure — doctors, nurses and those protecting and caring for the safety of others — should be adequately protected. In this Review, we explore how the development of coatings for surfaces and functionalized fabrics can help to accelerate the inactivation of biological and chemical toxins. We start by looking at recent advancements in the use of metal and metal-oxide-based catalysts for the inactivation of pathogenic threats, with a focus on identifying specific chemical bonds that can be targeted. We then discuss the use of metal–organic frameworks on textiles for the capture and degradation of various chemical warfare agents and their simulants, their long-term efficacy and the challenges they face. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and continued use of chemical weapons worldwide demonstrate the risks posed by biological and chemical threats. This Review highlights the importance of functionalized fabrics and surfaces to combat these threats and the progress made in their preparation.