Cyclodextrin-Based Odor Control Treatment
topic
Beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD, MW 1,135 Da, cavity diameter 6.0–6.5 Å) applied to cotton at 5–15% owf via pad-dry-cure with citric acid crosslinker (3–5%, 170°C, 3 min) forms inclusion complexes with hydrophobic odor molecules (isovaleric acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid) via host-guest chemistry with binding constants of 10³–10⁴ L/mol. Captured malodors release upon hydration (sweating) and are removed during laundering, restoring 90–95% cyclodextrin capacity. 5 log reduction in headspace odor compounds (GC-MS quantification) is achieved at 10% owf β-CD add-on. Unlike biocidal odor control, cyclodextrin does not kill bacteria but captures metabolic odor products. Simultaneous fragrance loading in CD cavities (e.g., lavender, menthol) enables dual deodorizing-scenting function. GOTS-compatible when applied with citric acid crosslinker.
Role
Natural, non-biocidal odor capture system for organic cotton and eco-label activewear, providing wash-regenerable malodor complexation through reversible host-guest inclusion chemistry without synthetic biocide or antimicrobial chemical use.