Health
Bio-functional garments to Supply Daily Dose of Vitamin C
By IANS
Jan 31, 2006, 18:48

Underwear that smells like vanilla, T-shirts with vitamin C and stockings with aloe vera are all examples of bio-functional garments developed since the textile industry followed the example set by the food industry.

The garments have some additional use beyond their usual functions of covering the body and keeping it warm. They either smell nice, as in the case of the vanilla underwear, provide the user with some kind of personal care product, as in the vitamin C T- shirts and the aloe vera stockings, or they might absorb a bad smell.

Whether the clothes keep their promises is a contentious matter. Experts also fear the garments could lead to allergic reactions.

Various techniques are applied in the production of bio-functional textiles.

One method involves simply putting the substance on the surface of the material, said Hans-Juergen Buschmann, a chemist at the German textile research centre in Krefeld.

Aloe vera, a plant-based product found in many lotions or jojoba, used in cosmetics as a moisturiser, is applied to textiles in this way. The catch is the substances eventually are washed out of the clothes.

Clothing that has the active ingredient in its fibre is better able to maintain its function despite multiple washings.

A Japanese producer has developed a fibre with a substance that transforms into vitamin C when it comes in contact with skin. In another process, algae are combined with clothing fibres, and when the clothing is worn, minerals, proteins and vitamins are released.

"It's been demonstrated that the substances can be absorbed through the skin," said Uta-Christina Hipler, director of the laboratory at the clinic for dermatology at the university in Jena about 250 km from Hanover. The laboratory conducted dermatological tests on the fibres.

Garments with microcapsules that contain certain skin-pampering agents such as vitamin E or scents such as lavender or orange oil are sold widely. The capsules are made from a variety of materials that open and release their contents when rubbed, pressed or warmed by body heat.

Wearing the garment and washing it reduces the number of microcapsules, and the item loses is extra functions.

To counter this, manufacturers recently began offering consumers packets to refresh the supply of microcapsules, Buschmann said. These packets can be emptied onto the garment after it's washed. Buschmann said he was sceptical about this actually being affective.

Clothing with cyclodextrines (produced from starch) is different, and they fulfil two functions. They can not only release scents and personal care products but also store unpleasant odours such as sweat or cigarette smoke, leaving sport coats still wearable after a night out at the bar.

Cyclodextrines, which can be anchored in the weave of the fabric, contain molecular-sized hollow compartments in which either a desired or undesired scent can be stored.

The body's moisture releases the active ingredient. The same thing happens in the wash machine, but the cyclodextrines are not destroyed in the process and can be refilled after every wash by spraying the garment with a favourite perfume, for example. If the scent isn't wanted after a period of time, the only thing required is moistening the garment.

"It will smell strong for a short time, and the hollow compartments will be empty again," Buschmann said.

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