Sustainable textile functionalization using biodegradable essential oils: A review of sources, applications, and innovations
Md. Tareque Rahaman, Md. Mubashwir Moshwan
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable and multifunctional textiles has promoted significant interest in the functionalization of essential oils, due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, insect-repellent, and aromatherapeutic properties. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of eco-friendly extraction techniques for essential oils, emphasizing their botanical sources, applications in multifunctional textiles, fabrication technologies, and future research directions. Conventional extraction methods, such as steam distillation, are critically analyzed alongside advanced approaches, including supercritical CO 2 extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction. These innovative techniques indicate enhanced extraction efficiency, improved functional performance of bioactive compounds, and reduced environmental impact. The application of biodegradable encapsulation and controlled delivery systems has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the durability and sustained release of essential oils in textiles, while increasing fabric's comfort and mechanical properties. Key challenges persist, including the standardization of extraction protocols, industrial-scale implementation of sustainable technologies, and maintenance of essential oil stability during repeated laundering. This review minimizes existing knowledge gaps by including recent advances in essential oil extraction and textile functionalization, providing actionable insights for the development of eco-friendly, high-performance, and commercially viable multifunctional textiles. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to optimize extraction and functionalization processes in accordance with green chemistry principles. Future research should prioritize economically viable and environmentally sustainable extraction methodologies alongside innovative finishing technologies to address the growing consumer demand for sustainable multifunctional textiles.