Construction and performance analysis of a chitosan-modified enzyme-responsive preservative delivery system for wood protection

Plant-derived preservatives offer the advantages of abundant natural sources and environmental friendliness. However, they suffer from a short efficacy period, easy leaching, and poor fixation. Designing an appropriate modification technology to compensate for these shortcomings can expanding the application range of these preservatives. Therefore, herein, garlic extract was modified via microwave treatment to synthesize a fluorescent garlic nanoparticle (NP)–based preservative. Hollow mesoporous organosilicon nanoparticle (HMON) with a large cavity structure were used as the preservative carrier. Subsequently, the HMON surface was grafted and chitosan (CS) was employed to encapsulate preservative-loaded HMON for constructing an enzyme-responsive system (HMON–garlic NPs–CS system). The loading of garlic NPs within HMON and the successful synthesis of the enzyme-responsive system were confirmed through various characterization techniques. The designed system improved the thermal stability of garlic NPs, enhanced their fixation in wood, and exhibited enzyme-responsive release performance as well as a slow-release feature. The HMON–garlic NPs–CS system exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect on fungal growth. Overall, this system is expected to provide a theoretical basis to develop intelligent preservatives for wood protection as well as offer effective strategies for the application of enzyme-responsive preservatives. • Garlic is environmentally green comparing with chemical agents. • The multifunctional enzyme-responsive system was synthesized. • The enzyme-responsive system exhibited an obvious inhibitory effect on fungal growth. • The pores were encapsulated by chitosan.