Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), the fi rst melt-processable synthetic fi bre produced from annually renewable resources, combines ecological advantages with excellent performance in textiles. PLA successfully bridges the gap between synthetic and natural fi bres and fi nds a wide range of uses, from medical and pharmaceutical applications to environmentally benign fi lm and fi bres for packaging, houseware, and clothing. Ease of melt processing, unique property spectrum, renewable source origin, and ease of composting and recycling at the end of its useful life has led to PLA fi bres fi nding growing interest and acceptance over a range of commercial textile sectors. Our review of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fi bre is divided into two parts. Part I of this review gives information about production, properties, performance, environmental impact, and enduse applications of PLA fi bres. The aim of Part II is to review the wet processing (pretreatment, dyeing, clearing, subsequent fi nishing treatments, washing, etc.) of PLA fi bre and its effects on the fi bre. These were accomplished through a broad literature survey, including recent research and development in the area.

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A B S T R A C TIn the present study, we coated cotton fabrics with protein-based nanoparticles containing vitamin E (αtocopherol) by the pad-cure method. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and air permeability analysis of coated samples confirmed the fixation of the nanoparticles onto the fabric's surface. The antioxidant activity of the coated fabrics was evaluated by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals reduction. Samples coated with nanoparticles containing the highest amount of encapsulated vitamin E (20% of the oil phase) showed the highest antioxidant activity. The protein-based coating was maintained for at least 10 washing cycles, demonstrating the reliability of the pad-cure method for the fixation of nanoparticles onto cotton surfaces. A methodology for nanoparticles release from the coated surfaces and their transfer to other substrates was demonstrated by the simple crock meter rubbing in the presence of sweat and protease. A high amount of material can be transferred and released to other substrates, such as textiles and skin, through the synergistic effect of sweat/protease and abrasion. An array of cosmetic and medical applications are possible with the developed coating and release methodology in which vitamin E would impart vital benefits as skin protection, anti-ageing product, or skin moisturizer.

Poly(E-caprolactone) (PCL) is explored in tissue engineering (TE) applications due to its biocompatibility, processability, and appropriate mechanical properties. However, its hydrophobic nature and lack of functional groups in its structure are major drawbacks of PCL-based scaffolds limiting appropriate cell adhesion and proliferation. In this study, silk fibroin (SF) was immobilized on the surface of electrospun PCL nanofibers via covalent bonds in order to improve their hydrophilicity. To this end, the surface of PCL nanofibers was activated by ultraviolet (UV)-ozone irradiation followed by carboxylic functional groups immobilization on their surface by their immersion in acrylic acid under UV radiation and final immersion in SF solution. Furthermore, morphological, mechanical, contact angle, and Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) were measured to assess the properties of the surfacemodified PCL nanofibers grafted with SF. ATR-FTIR results confirmed the presence of SF on the surface of PCL nanofibers. Moreover, contact angle measurements of the PCL nanofibers grafted with SF showed the contact angle of zero indicating high hydrophilicity of modified nanofibers. In vitro cell culture studies using NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts confirmed enhanced cytocompatibility, cell adhesion, and proliferation of the SF-treated PCL nanofibers.Silk fibroin (SF) is a naturally occurring polymer, derived from Bombyx mori silkworm has been used in TE, due to its biocompatibility, low immunoreactivity, biodegradability, suitable oxygen and water vapor permeability, and good mechanical properties. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Moreover, SF improves cell adhesion and proliferation for TE applications. 14,16 Combination of the two aforementioned polymers (PCL and SF) can be considered as a synthetic/natural polyblend to

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