Preparation of humidity- and temperature-responsive cinnamon essential oil microcapsules for wood protection

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Abstract

Cinnamon essential oil microcapsules were fabricated via complex coacervation using gelatin and acacia gum. The microcapsules were spherical and smooth, with an average size of 2.67 ± 0.84 μm, enabling efficient penetration into poplar wood ( Populus tomentosa Carrière) vessels. Microencapsulation reduced the volatilization of CEO, endowing the system with sustained-release performance. The gelatin–acacia gum shell exhibited humidity- and temperature-dependent swelling, resulting in increased porosity and accelerated CEO release under conditions favorable for mold growth. The release behavior followed the Avrami model, reflecting a transition between diffusion-controlled and first-order kinetics, indicating a combined mechanism of diffusion and structural evolution of the capsule wall. The microcapsules showed antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger , Trichoderma viride , and Penicillium citrinum . Due to their responsive release behavior and retention within wood, the treated samples exhibited enhanced mold resistance. These findings highlight the potential of natural polymer-based microcapsule systems as sustainable and responsive antifungal solutions for wood protection.

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