Synthesis of alpha-tocopherol encapsulated chitosan nano-assemblies and their impregnation on cellulosic fabric for potential antibacterial and antioxidant cosmetotextiles

This study describes the encapsulation of alpha (α)-tocopherol in chitosan nanosphere using the emulsion formation method. The α-tocopherol is a versatile antioxidant yet has limited applications due to its feeble stability in oxidizing environments. However, its encapsulation in a suitable capping agent might improve its stability. Chitosan is non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and low-cost biomaterial. It could be used as an encapsulating agent to increase the stability of α-tocopherol and release when required over a sustained period. Once prepared, the encapsulated α-tocopherol nanospheres were characterized using different analytical techniques followed by application on cotton fabric. The treated fabric exhibited slight decrease in absorbency and tensile strength, and good antibacterial activity against broad spectrum bacterial strains. The release of α-tocopherol from the nanospheres in dispersed form was 64% whereas once applied on cotton fabric, the release was observed as 41%; this might be attributed to the cross-linking of nanospheres which decreased the opportunity to release the active ingredient. The produced cosmetotextiles can be used in skin care products particularly to reduce skin dryness with good antibacterial and antioxidant performance.