Green fabrication of chitosan microcapsules via double emulsion-simple coacervation and their application in fabrics

The growing interest in green synthesis and multifunctional application of microcapsules is due to their eco-friendly nature, health benefits, safety advantages, controlled release capabilities, and enhanced protection and stability. In this study, chitosan microcapsules were synthesized using a green double emulsion-simple coacervation method. The shell and core materials are derived from plants and are environmentally friendly, while the preparation process does not require volatile organic solvents. Both water-soluble vitamin C (VC) and oil-soluble lemon essential oil (LEO) were loaded as active substances in the chitosan microcapsules. The prepared microcapsules are about 3 mu m in size and exhibit good thermal stability. Further modified microcapsules with UV crosslinked monomers could be coated on the fabric to form a functional fabric coating as well as UV crossing linkers. The obtained functional fabric based on chitosan microcapsules has the slow-release property of VC and LEO. The sustained-release VC exhibits a skincare effect and is beneficial to human health. Furthermore, this coated fabric has durable antibacterial properties due to the synergistic effect of LEO and chitosan. This method offers a sustainable solution for creating innovative microcapsules with diverse applications such as medical textiles, home textiles, cosmetics, and more.

Automated summary

This study successfully synthesized environmentally friendly chitosan microcapsules derived from plants using a green synthesis method. The microcapsules have the advantages of being eco-friendly, safe, and having controlled release capabilities. The method also allows for the creation of functional fabric coatings with slow-release, skincare, and antibacterial properties.