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An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Zinc/Catechol Resin-Based Microsphere Coating for Durable Antibacterial Cotton Fabrics.
Jun-Xiang Xiong1, Zi-Han Yin1, Lian-Yi Qu1
1Institute of Functional Textiles and Advanced Materials, Shandong Key Laboratory of Polymeric Materials Recycling and Upcycling, National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Fire-Safety Materials D&A (Shandong), College of Textiles & Clothing, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
Polymers
|May 27, 2026
Summary
This study introduces durable zinc/catechol resin-based microspheres (Zn/CFRs) for cotton fabrics, offering potent, long-lasting antibacterial properties without compromising fabric quality. The novel coating ensures over 99.99% bacterial inhibition after extensive washing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) show promise for antibacterial textiles but suffer from poor adhesion and wash durability.
- Developing durable antibacterial finishes for textiles is crucial for hygiene and product longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel antibacterial finishing agent for cotton fabric with enhanced adhesion and durability.
- To investigate the antibacterial efficacy and durability of zinc/catechol resin-based microspheres (Zn/CFRs) on cotton textiles.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized zinc/catechol resin-based microspheres (Zn/CFRs) using a one-pot hydrothermal method.
- Applied Zn/CFRs to cotton fabric via a pad-dry-cure process.
- Evaluated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, and assessed durability through 50 laundering cycles.
Main Results:
- Zn/CFRs exhibited a monodisperse spherical morphology with surface-concentrated zinc ions and encapsulated ZnO NPs.
- The finished fabric demonstrated potent, non-leaching antibacterial activity (>99.99% inhibition) against tested microbes.
- Excellent antibacterial performance was retained after 50 laundering cycles, attributed partly to slow catechol oxidation under UV light.
- The finishing process did not negatively impact the fabric's tensile strength, feel, or breathability.
Conclusions:
- Zinc/catechol resin-based microspheres offer a durable and effective antibacterial solution for cotton textiles.
- The developed functional finishing shows potential for scalable adoption in the functional textile industry.
- The non-leaching and durable nature of the antibacterial finish ensures long-term efficacy and safety.
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