#Research & Development

2024-07-11

Wellness and health: active ingredient of graviola embedded in textiles

Together with international partners, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) have succeeded in processing the active ingredient of the graviola plant in such a way that it can be incorporated into textiles. The graviola plant is used as a medicinal plant in its tropical homeland.

Objective

In natural medicine, the leaves of the tropical graviola tree (Annona muricata) are used to improve well-being and treat numerous diseases. The effect of the graviola plant is mainly due to the active ingredients it contains, the so-called acetogenins. The extraction, preparation and use of these active ingredients for sustainable textile applications in the field of health and wellness have not yet been the subject of re-search yet.

Approach and results

The aim of the GRAVIOLA project was to develop new types of functionalised textiles using active ingre-dients from the Graviola plant. The application of the active ingredients was analysed in two different ways: direct finishing of the textiles with different coating systems containing Graviola active ingredients, and application of microcapsules smaller than 100 microns loaded with acetogenins. The microcapsules were incorporated into suitable binder systems and applied to knitted and nonwoven fabrics. The micro-encapsulation of the Graviola extract ensures that the active ingredient is released over a defined period of time. Essential textile properties such as colour fastness, water resistance, rub fastness and human ecological requirements were taken into account.

Ethanolic graviola extract (left), sheet mask functionalised with graviola microcapsules and textile coating systems (centre), microcapsules with integrated graviola active ingredients (right). Copyright © 2024 STFI, Fraunhofer IAP

By incorporating aqueous microcapsule suspensions into suitable binder systems, the microcapsules were fixed in such a way that problem-free processability of the textile material is guaranteed and the release of the active ingredient can be maintained over a defined period of time.

Due to their anti-inflammatory and health-promoting effects, textiles treated with Graviola ingredients offer a wide range of dermatological applications in the wellness and health sector as well as sustainable use in the textile life cycle.

Functional samples were produced on the basis of a) microcapsules and b) Graviola extracts: "sheet masks" made of viscose nonwovens for the beauty and wellness sector as well as single jersey knitted fabrics with Graviola extract and encapsulated active ingredients, combined with aloe vera oil, for thera-peutic clothing for skin treatment.

Co-operation partners

In this CORNET research project, the German research centres Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI), Chemnitz (Germany), and Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), Potsdam (Ger-many) cooperated with the Czech research centre INOTEX, Dv?r Kralove n.L. (Czech Republic). The pro-ject was supported by the research associations Forschungskuratorium Textil e.V. (FKT), Berlin (Ger-many) and Clutex - klastr technické textilie, Liberec (Czech Republic).

Further information: www.stfi.de

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

STFI highlights textile circular economy and alternative fibres at INDEX™ 2026

From 19 to 22 May 2026, INDEX will invite visitors to Lake Geneva for the world's leading nonwovens trade fair. The Centre of Excellence in Nonwovens at the Sächsisches Textilforschung- sinstitut e.V. (STFI) will be in attendance to present the latest developments in nonwovens research. In the field of the textile circular economy, the STFI will present acoustically effective nonwovens made from chemical recycling residues. The range also includes innovations aimed at replacing conventional raw materials, such as the biobased and biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS) and Kendyr as an alternative to cotton.

Regional hemp bast for lightweight construction profiles

The cultivation of fibre hemp for the production of ropes and clothing has a long tradition in Saxony. Due to its excellent fibre properties, it is also suitable as a renewable raw material for reinforcement in fibre composites. At the STFI and IWU in Chemnitz, the CannaPul project is cur- rently investigating how a regional value chain for hemp-based lightweight construction profiles can be established. To this end, the technical processing of hemp fibres into continuous fibre strands and their embedding in a suitable bio-based matrix are being investigated.

STFI presents concepts for the textile circular economy and solutions for a healthy and safe life at Techtextil

Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. (STFI) has been supporting companies in developing marketable innovations for over 30 years. With a clear focus on sustainability, the environment, health and protection, the STFI offers future-oriented research, textile testing for tailor-made solutions and certification of per- sonal protective equipment. At Techtextil 2026, the institute will present ideas for the textile circular econ- omy and showcase solutions for healthy and safe living.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.