Encapsulation of active principles in PCL for knitted fabric functionalization

Micro- and nanocapsules containing active principles are widely used for dermal and transdermal applications in cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations. Recently, the dispersion of microcapsules on fabrics have paved the way to new types of products, named cosmeto-textiles [1]. Such products, combining ease of use of a garment and controlled-release from microcapsules, are ideal candidates for complementary therapy of diseases like psoriasis, which require long-term treatment and dedication to the therapy. Nanoencapsulation of caffeine, menthol and melatonin in PCL is discussed in this work, where two different systems for solvent displacement (the confined-impinging jet mixer and the multi inlet vortex mixer) have been extensively investigated. For each mixer, several process parameters, such as fluid dynamics, type of solvent and polymer-to-drug ratio, have been considered to find the optimal configuration for micro- or nanocapsule formation. In Figure 1, an example of nanoparticles prepared in the same conditions (polymer type and concentration, solvent, mixing conditions) loading different substances in the confined impinging jet mixer is shown. The initial mass ratio (MR) of loading substance and polymer may not be the only or main factor determining final size, as it can be noted that nanocapsule formed by using the triglyceride oil are significantly larger than particles prepared dissolving a solid component

Manufacture Techniques of Chitosan-Based Microcapsules to Enhance Functional Properties of Textiles

In recent years, the textile industry has been moving to novel concepts of products, which could deliver to the user, improved performances. Such smart textiles have been proven to have the potential to integrate within a commodity garment advanced feature and functional properties of different kinds. Among those functionalities, considerable interest has been played in functionalizing commodity garments in order to make them positively interact with the human body and therefore being beneficial to the user health. This kind of functionalization generally exploits biopolymers, a class of materials that possess peculiar properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability that make them suitable for bio-functional textile production. In the context of biopolymer chitosan has been proved to be an excellent potential candidate for this kind of application given its abundant availability and its chemical properties that it positively interacts with biological tissue. Notwithstanding the high potential of chitosan-based technologies in the textile sectors, several issues limit the large-scale production of such innovative garments. In facts the morphologies of chitosan structures should be optimized in order to make them better exploit the biological activity; moreover a suitable process for the application of chitosan structures to the textile must be designed. The application process should indeed not only allow an effective and durable fixation of chitosan to textile but also comply with environmental rules concerning pollution emission and utilization of harmful substances. This chapter reviews the use of microencapsulation technique as an approach to effectively apply chitosan to the textile material while overcoming the significant limitations of finishing processes. The assembly of chitosan macromolecules into microcapsules was proved to boost the biological properties of the polymer thanks to a considerable increase in the surface area available for interactions with the living tissues. Moreover, the incorporation of different active substances into chitosan shells allows the design of multifunctional materials that effectively combine core and shell properties. Based on the kind of substances to be incorporated, several encapsulation processes have been developed. The literature evidences how the proper choices concerning encapsulation technology, chemical formulations, and process parameter allow tuning the properties and the performances of the obtained microcapsules. Furthermore, the microcapsules based finishing process have been reviewed evidencing how the microcapsules morphology can positively interact with textile substrate allowing an improvement in the durability of the treatment. The application of the chitosan shelled microcapsules was proved to be capable of imparting different functionalities to textile substrates opening possibilities for a new generation of garments with improved performances and with the potential of protecting the user from multiple harms. Lastly, a continuous interest was observed in improving the process and formulation design in order to avoid the usage of toxic substances, therefore, complying with an environmentally friendly approach

Combining Cellulose and Cyclodextrins: Fascinating Designs for Materials and Pharmaceutics

Cellulose and cyclodextrins possess unique properties that can be tailored, combined, and used in a considerable number of applications, including textiles, coatings, sensors, and drug delivery systems. Successfully structuring and applying cellulose and cyclodextrins conjugates requires a deep understanding of the relation between structural, and soft matter behavior, materials, energy, and function. This review focuses on the key advances in developing materials based on these conjugates. Relevant aspects regarding structural variations, methods of synthesis, processing and functionalization, and corresponding supramolecular properties are presented. The use of cellulose/cyclodextrin conjugates as intelligent platforms for applications in materials science and pharmaceutical technology is also outlined, focusing on drug delivery, textiles, and sensors

Study on transdermal delivery of melatonin from functionalized cotton fabrics

The aim of this research is to study the transdermal release of melatonin by using cotton knitted fabrics with applied poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanocapsules charged with melatonin. The PCL nanocapsules containing melatonin were produced through the solvent-displacement technique. For the transdermal release experiments, a vertical Franz Diffusion Cells system was used in testing the fabric samples. The results of the transdermal experiments were discussed by taking into consideration various aspects, such as: the concentrations of melatonin and polymer and the polymer – to – melatonin ratios in the nanocapsules suspensions

Study on transdermal release from functionlized cotton fabrics with caffeine-polycaprolactone nanocapsules

The aim of this research is to study the transdermal release of caffeine by using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanocapsules. PCL nanocapsules containing caffeine were produced by using a solvent-displacement technique and a micromixer, and consequently, applied on to a knitted cotton fabric. The PCL nanocapsules formulations were prepared at different concentrations of caffeine and polymer, different polymer – to – caffeine ratios and different solvent to antisolvent flow rates. The suspensions containing nanoparticles with caffeine were dispersed onto the knitted cotton fabrics and, subsequently, the fabrics were tested for transdermal delivery. For the study of transdermal release, experiments were conducted using vertical Franz diffusion cells with cellulose based filter membranes. The amount of caffeine released after each experiment was analysed using a UV spectrophotometer. The results were discussed by taking into consideration various aspects: the amount of the caffeine – PCL nanocapsules applied on the fabrics’ surface, different formulations of the caffeine – PCL nanocapsules, time of exposure and different cellulose based filter membranes for the vertical Franz diffusion cells

Study on transdermal release from functionlized cotton fabrics with caffeine-polycaprolactone nanocapsules

The aim of this research is to study the transdermal release of caffeine by using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanocapsules. PCL nanocapsules containing caffeine were produced by using a solvent-displacement technique and a micromixer, and consequently, applied on to a knitted cotton fabric. The PCL nanocapsules formulations were prepared at different concentrations of caffeine and polymer, different polymer – to – caffeine ratios and different solvent to antisolvent flow rates. The suspensions containing nanoparticles with caffeine were dispersed onto the knitted cotton fabrics and, subsequently, the fabrics were tested for transdermal delivery. For the study of transdermal release, experiments were conducted using vertical Franz diffusion cells with cellulose based filter membranes. The amount of caffeine released after each experiment was analysed using a UV spectrophotometer. The results were discussed by taking into consideration various aspects: the amount of the caffeine – PCL nanocapsules applied on the fabrics’ surface, different formulations of the caffeine – PCL nanocapsules, time of exposure and different cellulose based filter membranes for the vertical Franz diffusion cells