Bio-based Preservative using Methyl-β-cyclodextrin-Essential Oil Complexes for Wood Protection

Area of Science:

• Wood Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Mycology

Background:

• Developing sustainable and natural wood preservatives is crucial for green construction.
• Conventional wood preservatives raise environmental concerns.
• Essential oils (EOs) possess antifungal properties but require stabilization for wood applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate methyl-β-cyclodextrin-essential oil (MβCD-EOs) complexes as bio-based wood preservatives.
• To assess the efficacy of these complexes against brown rot fungi.
• To determine the impact on wood's physical and mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Complexation of four EOs (eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol) with MβCD via co-precipitation.
• Characterization of MβCD-EOs complexes using ATR-FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
• Impregnation of southern pine wood with MβCD-EOs complexes and exposure to Gloeophyllum trabeum and Postia placenta.

Main Results:

• Near 100% inclusion yields for EOs within MβCD were achieved.
• Penetration of MβCD-EOs complexes into wood was confirmed via fluorescence microscopy.
• Treated wood showed 16-36% mass loss reduced to 2-18% and improved compression strength retention.

Conclusions:

• MβCD-EOs complexes are effective natural preservatives for wood.
• This approach significantly enhances wood resistance to fungal decay.
• The study supports the use of MβCD-EOs complexes in sustainable wood protection.