Nano-Encapsulation in Textiles

Nano-encapsulation confines active agents (drugs, fragrances, phase change materials, biocides) within polymer nanocapsules (50–500 nm diameter) using interfacial polymerization, nanoprecipitation, or emulsion polymerization. Shell materials include polyurea (0.01–0.1 µm wall thickness), PMMA, chitosan, or liposomes with core content of 50–80 wt%. Applied to textiles at 5–30 g/m² via padding or exhaustion with binder. Controlled release triggered by pressure, heat (Tm 28–32°C for PCM), pH change, or moisture enables sustained active delivery over 20–50 wash cycles. Drug-loaded nanocapsules (1–10 µg/cm²) on wound dressings achieve therapeutic concentrations in wound fluid for 5–14 days. Nano-encapsulation market for textiles is valued at $890 million, growing in cosmeto-textile and medical textile sectors.