NEO4Future: textile filaments that contain essential oils

What if, when using textile items, it was possible to benefit from essential oils' therapeutic properties? It was with this purpose that NEO4Future was born. The innovative Project allowed the creation of filaments containing nanocapsules with these active compounds for subsequent integration into textile structures, designed with user's well-being in mind.

The integrity of essential oils' intrinsic qualities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-odour, was ensured. The idea is that the substances are released, controlled and phased over time, remaining functional for as long as possible.

Essential oils were introduced into textile filaments through extrusion processes after their appropriate encapsulation or fixation in (nano)porous structures. A possible application of this technology is, for example, a garment with antioxidant and anti-cellulite properties.

Curious? Discover more about the research in the Project's latest video HERE, including the disruptive production process and innovation potential.

NEO4Future was developed by a multidisciplinary consortium composed of CeNTI, the University of Beira Interior - UBI and the companies Fitexar, Blossom Essence and Smart Inovation, also counting on the international partnership of Rosiro Group BV.

The Project was co-financed by PORTUGAL 2020 under the Competitiveness and Internationalisation Operational Programme (COMPETE 2020) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).