The comfort properties of cosmeto-textiles functionalized with protein-based nanoemulsions encapsulating Vitamin-E

The comfort properties of a textile cannot be dissociated from its function. Considering this premise, we evaluated the physical and mechanical performance of a previously developed cosmeto-textile composed of cotton/elastane, functionalized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and BSA/silk fibroin (BSA/SF) nanoemulsions, encapsulating -tocopherol (vitamin E). The surface functionalization of cotton fabrics with the nanoemulsions was confirmed by fabric staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250 and by FTIR-ATR. The comfort properties including wetting, stiffness, stretching, draping ability, electrical resistance, and air and vapor permeability were evaluated. The results revealed that the functionalization of cotton fabrics with the developed protein-based nanoemulsions did not disturb the comfort properties of the textile material nor its functionality. This gives a good indication of the potential of the developed breathable cosmeto-textile to be used in contact with the human body with acceptable performance.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia [NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004, UIDB/04469/2020];info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Protein-based nanoformulations for α-Tocopherol encapsulation

Nanoparticles of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and silk fibroin (SF) with entrapped α-tocopherol were produced via ultrasonic emulsification. Populations with particle size of 200300 nm and highly negatively charged were obtained for all the tested formulations. Entrapment efficiencies of around 99% revealed the effective encapsulation of α-tocopherol into the produced nanoformulations. Generally, these nanodevices did not induce significant cytotoxicity to human skin keratinocytes for all the concentrations tested. The developed formulations showed free radical scavenging of ABTS.+ ability resulting from the synergistic effect between proteins in formulation and the entrapped tocopherol. Overall, the results contribute for the establishment of BSA:VO and BSA:SF:VO as biodegradable and non-toxic nanoformulations for the functionalization of textile devices and controlled delivery of tocopherol into the skin.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit and COMPETE2020 (POCI-01-0145FEDER-006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145FEDER-000004) funded by European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte 2020-Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. Artur Ribeiro thanks FCT for the SFRH\BPD\98388\2013 grant. Fatemeh Shahmoradi would like to acknowledge the Iran Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) for the monetary support.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sustainable Dyeing Process for Nylon 6 Fabrics by Rhubarb Flower Using Different Bio-Mordants

The purpose of this study is to propose a fully sustainable dyeing process for nylon 6. In order to achieve this goal, Rhubarb flower parts were used to produce a brown hue on nylon 6 fabric. The effects of dyeing parameters such as dyeing time, temperature, dyebath pH, M:L, salt addition, dispersing agent, and dye concentration on color strength were investigated. Using 100%owf dye in an acidic medium at boil and the material to liquor ratio of 1:30 for 75 min was determined to be the optimal condition for dyeing nylon 6 with rhubarb flower. In order to achieve acceptable color fastness, four natural mordants were applied, including walnut husks, pistachio hulls, pine cones, and green coffee. Colorimetric measurements revealed that mordanting did not affect the hue of the color compared to the non-mordant sample. In addition, diverse natural mordants produced the same color (i.e., brown) with varying color strengths, of which 10%owf walnut husk generated the strongest color. Bio-mordanted samples were also found to have excellent color fastness, thereby providing an effective substitute for metal mordants