Using multi criteria decision analysis to evaluate nanotechnology: nAg enabled textiles as a case study

Abstract

Nanosilver enabled textiles represent an advancement in clothing technology, due to their antimicrobial nature. At the same time, the silver that bestows the antimicrobial efficacy of the textile increases its environmental impact. A midpoint life cycle assessment is coupled with antimicrobial efficacy data to inform a multi criteria decision analysis to weigh the benefits and costs (risks) of nanoenabled textiles compared to conventional textiles. Multiple weighting scenarios are applied to include the role of consumer attitude with respect to the relative value and risk of nanoenabled technologies. The results explore the tradeoff between antimicrobial efficacy and environmental cost, and indicate that this tool is relevant to evaluating the utility of nanoenabled products.