Electrospun Silk Fibroin/Tremella Polysaccharide Nanofibrous Membranes Incorporating Cinnamomumosmophloeum Essential Oil Microcapsules for Antibacterial and Mosquito-Repellent Applications

Abstract

Bio-based multifunctional nanofibrous membranes combining antimicrobial, insect-repellent, and water-uptake properties are desirable green materials. Herein, silk fibroin (SF)/ Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TP) composite membranes incorporating β -cyclodextrin-encapsulated Cinnamomum osmophloeum essential oil microcapsules were fabricated via solvent-assisted microencapsulation and matrix electrospinning. The microcapsules exhibited a sub-10 μm distribution and 24-h sustained release. Solution viscosity and fiber diameter varied across the SF/TP/EM formulation series. Group 5 (30 wt % microcapsules) achieved maximum antibacterial efficiencies of 98.64% (Staphylococcus aureus) and 98.92% (Escherichia coli), alongside a 96.68% mosquito-repellent rate. Water uptake decreased from Group 1 to Group 5 with reduced TP content, following Fickian diffusion. Overall, this SF/TP/microcapsule membrane offers an eco-friendly platform for advanced functional applications. Graphical abstract