Polymer film coating

Abstract

The invention relates to a polymer film coating comprising (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network with a water-immiscible payload liquid located within the polymer network. The present invention also relates to uses of those polymer film coatings and methods of making the same.

Description

[0001] Devan Chemicals NV

[0002] Polymer Film Coating

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a polymer film coating comprising (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network with a water-immiscible payload liquid located within the polymer network. The present invention also relates to uses of those polymer film coatings and methods of making the same.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Microcapsules are widely applied to a range of substrates in order to deliver active payloads to a surface of those substrates. Such payloads include phase change materials (PCMs), cosmetic agents, antimicrobial agents, antioxidant agents and pigments to name but a few. Once applied to the substrate, the microcapsules are designed to release the payloads, typically via mechanical rupturing, dissolution or diffusion, onto the substrate and into its surrounding environment. This provides the substrate with active functional properties, which can be tailored by selectively choosing the type of active payload being delivered. As an example, microcapsules that are loaded with PCMs can be applied to textile substrates to impart temperature regulating effects upon those substrates.

[0007] Microcapsules commonly possess shells that are made of materials that are resistant to external environmental factors like UV radiation, temperature changes and solvent exposure. The use of robust microcapsule shell materials can help protect encapsulated payloads, which are typically located within the core of the microcapsule, until those payloads are released from the microcapsule core. Well known microcapsule materials include urea-formaldehyde based polymers and melamine-formaldehyde based polymers. These materials have in recent years been extensively used due to their excellent resistance to external environmental factors, high loading capacities and ability to chemically cross-link to both adhesive binders and I or directly to a substrate surface.

[0008] The publication of new Ell regulation (Ell 2023 / 2055), however, now threatens to limit the use of certain synthetic polymer based technologies, such as urea-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde based microcapsules. This is because such microcapsules possess undesirable properties, for example, poor water solubility, slow biodegradation and harmful effects upon ingestion in living organisms. These use of these microcapsules are therefore thought to adversely impact the environment and contribute to the growing issue of microplastic pollution within our water streams.

[0009] A range of biodegradable microcapsules, which are often based on naturally occurring materials like peptides and proteins, have been developed as alternatives to the problematic synthetic polymer based microcapsules. These biodegradable microcapsules possess more favourable biodegradation properties and lower pollutant potential thus resulting in these microcapsules being less restricted by regulation. These biodegradable microcapsules therefore offer microcapsule manufacturers and users a viable replacement to the popular synthetic polymer based microcapsule technologies.

[0010] Despite biodegradable microcapsules now being broadly adopted for various applications, including textile treatment, drug delivery, crop protection, food technology and cosmetics, it has been found that they themselves suffer from intrinsic limitations due to their limited payload carrying capacity. This is partly because many biodegradable microcapsules require highly dilute manufacturing processes (e.g. dilute coacervation processes) in order to be successfully produced. These processes result in the encapsulation of low amounts of payload material within the final microcapsule formed. Consequently, it is necessary to use larger quantities of biodegradable microcapsules and high add-on amounts in order to provide a desirable level of active payload on a treated substrate. This necessity to use larger amounts of biodegradable microcapsules generally results in higher raw material costs and longer, more energy intensive, manufacturing processes for both the microcapsules themselves and downstream products being treated with such microcapsules. In addition, when it comes to the application of biodegradable microcapsules to textile substrates, the increase in material add-on can lead to stiffness and poor hand-feel in the resulting textile substrates.

[0011] CN107503139A describes a textile slurry comprising modified starch, polyvinyl alcohol, and further components as well as a modified silicone oil as defoaming agent.

[0012] CN103790018A describes a method for preparing a resin-based water repellent finishing agent for fabrics comprising polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropylcellulose and further components as well as methyl hydrogenated silicone oil emulsion. CN111087884A describes a gypsum water repelling agent comprising a silicone emulsion, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, low-hydrogen silicone oil and water.

[0013] CN114058225A describes a water-resistant flame-retardant coating based on polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan, comprising a polyvinyl alcohol / chitosan mixed solution, composite additives, hydroxy silicone oil, orthosilicic acid ethyl ester, and a catalyst.

[0014] CN105331283A and CN 104893465 A describe UV resistant paints and coatings, which may comprise polyvinyl alcohol, a cellulose polymer and an UV-resistant silicone oil.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages and / or provide an improved payload delivery system. Particularly, an object of the the present invention can be seen in providing a novel and improved method or system allowing to deliver active payloads to a surface, especially to textile surfaces and fibres or fabrics, and which avoids the above-mentioned limits of conventional microcapsules. A further object of the invention can be seen in providing a novel and improved method or system allowing to impart functional properties to a substrate, especially textile surfaces and fibres or fabrics. The novel method or system should offer a high variability with respect to the surface-functionalization and allow to be broadly applicable for various desired functionalization agents allowing to impart the desired functional effect. In a further aspect an object of the present invention can be seen in providing a novel and improved method or system for imparting functional properties to a substrate, especially textile surfaces and fibres or fabrics, having improved biodegradation and pollutant characteristics as compared known synthetic polymer based microcapsule technologies. The novel methods and systems should be able to achieve excellent or even improved loading capacities as compared to existing biodegradable microcapsules. In a further aspect, the novel methods and systems should be able to provide a versatile, environmentally friendly and lower cost technology for active payload functionalisation of substrates, especially textiles, fibers and fabrics.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is a polymer film coating comprising: (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network; and a payload liquid located within the polymer network, wherein the payload liquid is water-immiscible

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is a method of making the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising forming the polymer network containing the payload liquid within the polymer network.

[0019] A third aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

[0020] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a pre-coating composition capable of forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pre-coating composition comprising: an aqueous liquid containing the (i) polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and the (ii) polysaccharide; and the payload liquid; wherein the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is a method of making the precoating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, comprising forming a mixture comprising the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention for forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a coated substrate comprising a substrate and the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein the polymer film coating is coated on the substrate.

[0024] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making the coated substrate according to the seventh aspect of the present invention comprising forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention on the substrate.

[0025] A ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the coated substrate according to the seventh aspect of the present invention for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

[0026] Brief description of Figures

[0027] Some embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0028] Figure 1 shows the loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on various textile substrates that have been coated with a polymer film coating according to the present invention before and after washing. The textile substrates referred to in Figure 1 have been treated with a pre-coating composition according to the present invention via a padding method.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on various textile substrates that have been coated with a polymer film coating according to the present invention before and after washing. The textile substrates referred to in Figure 2 have been treated with a pre-coating composition according to the present invention via an exhaustion method.

[0030] Figure 3 shows loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on used and unused pillowcases, which have been coated with a polymer film coating according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 shows an image of probiotic bacterial growth on agar plates. The agar plates have been previously contacted textile substrates of the present invention, which are coated with polymer coating compositions of the present invention that are loaded with probiotic microorganisms.

[0032] Figure 5a shows loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on various textile substrates that have been coated with carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan based polymer film coatings according to the present invention. Figure 5b shows loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on a textile substrate that has been coated with a chitosan based polymer film coatings according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 shows loaded Vitamin E acetate amounts measured on a textile substrate that has been coated with an ethylene vinyl alcohol based polymer coating composition according to the present invention.

[0034] In the following detailed description, only certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, simply by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would realise, the described embodiments may preferably be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the figures and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0035] Detailed description of invention

[0036] In general, the present invention proposes a polymer film coating capable of imparting functional properties to a substrate (e.g. providing active functionalised textile surfaces, fabrics and fibres). This is achieved by coating the substrate with the polymer film coating, which then, during use, delivers a water immiscible payload liquid to the surface of the substrate and its surrounding environment, to impart a desired functional effect. The polymer film coating is formed from (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) polysaccharide based polymer network which, when loaded with the water-immiscible payload, is able to hold, protect and then release the payload liquid during use. The release of the liquid payload from within the polymer network is achievable via any suitable breaking of the polymer network, such as, mechanical rupture of the polymer network, dissolution of the polymer network, enzymatic degradation of the polymer network, UV degradation of the polymer network and I or diffusion of the liquid payload through the polymer network. It has been found that the polymer film coating of the present invention possesses improved biodegradation and pollutant characteristics as compared to the known synthetic polymer based microcapsule technologies but also at the same time manages to achieve excellent loading capacities (i.e. the amount of payload that can be carried within the polymer film coating and then delivered) as compared to existing biodegradable microcapsules. The present polymer film coating therefore provides a versatile, environmentally friendly and lower cost technology for active payload functionalisation of substrates, especially, textiles.

[0037] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a polymer film coating comprising (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network, and (iii) a payload liquid located within the polymer network, wherein the payload liquid is water-immiscible. In embodiments, the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is an ethylene vinyl alcohol.

[0038] The polymer film coating, as described herein, is capable of forming a thin layer of a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and polysaccharide based network on a surface of a substrate. It will be appreciated that the polymer film coating does not form part of a microcapsule (e.g. does not form part of a microcapsule wall, shell or core) but may be disposed on the surface of a substrate together with one or more microcapsules. In such embodiments, the one or more microcapsules may reside within the polymer network and I or the one or more microcapsules may reside outside of the polymer network but may still be in contact with the polymer film coating.

[0039] The polymer film coating may be formed directly on the surface of the substrate or formed in a separate location before then being disposed on the surface of the substrate. In embodiments, the polymer film coating may be formed as a sheet-like material, which is formed in a separate location before being disposed on the surface of the substrate.

[0040] In embodiments, the polymer film coating may be disposed on the surface of the substrate as a continuous layer or discontinuous layer. In embodiments, the polymer film coating may fully or completely cover the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, in embodiments, the polymer film coating may partially cover the surface of the substrate. In such embodiments, the polymer film coating may be formed as a pattern on the surface of the substrate, for example, a striped pattern or a dotted pattern.

[0041] Where the surface of the substrate is porous (e.g. a porous surface of a woven textile), the polymer film coating may physically penetrate the substrate surface and “lock” into the surface of the substrate.

[0042] In some embodiments, the polymer film coating may adhere to the surface of the substrate. It will be appreciated that in aspects described herein relating to the methods and uses of the present invention, the polymer film coating may bond to the surface of the substrate such that polymer film coating and the substrate resist separation. This may include the formation of covalent bonds, ionic bonds, dipole-dipole bonding, hydrogen bonding and / or Van de Waal forces. In embodiments, the polymer film coating may form a direct chemical bond with the surface of the substrate, for example, a covalent bond may be formed via nucleophilic substitution or addition. Other bond forming reactions between nucleophiles and electrophilic moieties located on the polymer film coating and the substrate will be readily apparent to the skilled person and are envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

[0043] In embodiments, a condensation reaction occurs between the polymer film coating and the substrate to form a direct covalent bond between the polymer film coating and the substrate. This reaction may occur between (i) hydroxyl groups located within the polymer film coating and carboxyl groups located within the substrate and / or (ii) hydroxyl groups located within the substrate and carboxyl groups located within the polymer film coating. In embodiments, the substrate comprises the hydroxyl groups. For example, the substrate may be or may comprise a textile, such as cotton, which comprises hydroxyl groups capable of forming a covalent bond with the polymer film coating. In these embodiments, the hydroxyl groups undergo a condensation reaction with a carboxyl group located within the polymer film coating. The polymer film coating may include a polysaccharide containing the carboxyl group, such as, carboxymethylcellulose.

[0044] In embodiments, a condensation reaction occurs between the polymer film coating and the substrate to form a direct covalent bond between the polymer film coating and the substrate. This reaction may occur between (i) amino groups located within the polymer film coating and carboxyl groups located within the substrate and / or (ii) amino groups located within the substrate and carboxyl groups located within the polymer film coating.

[0045] In embodiments, hydrogen bonding occurs between the polymer film coating and the substrate. The hydrogen bonding may occur between (i) hydrogen bond donor groups located within the polymer film coating and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located within the substrate and / or (ii) hydrogen bond donor groups located within the substrate and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located within the polymer film coating. For example, the substrate may be or may comprise a textile, such as cotton, which contains hydroxyl groups suitable for hydrogen bonding with the polymer film coating. Here, the polymer film coating may include amino groups suitable for hydrogen bonding, hydroxyl groups suitable for hydrogen bonding (e.g. hydroxyl groups forming part of the polyvinyl alcohol, C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) or polysaccharide) or carboxyl groups suitable for hydrogen bonding (e.g. carboxyl groups forming part of the polysaccharide, wherein the polysacharride carboxymethylcellulose).

[0046] According to the present invention the polymer film coating comprises (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network. The polymer network is capable of holding a water-immiscible payload liquid, which is loaded within the polymer network, and controllably release the payload liquid from the polymer network into its surrounding environment. In embodiments, the polymer network is permeable to the water-immiscible payload liquid. This may allow the release of the payload liquid from the polymer film coating via diffusion (e.g. via the flow of payload liquid through the polymer network and out into the surrounding environment). In other embodiments, the polymer network is impermeable to the water-immiscible payload liquid and entraps the payload liquid within the polymer film coating. In such embodiments, the polymer network prohibits the flow of payload liquid from out of the polymer network until the use of an external stimuli triggers the release of the payload liquid from the polymer film coating. The payload liquid may be released from the polymer film coating via mechanical rupturing, enzymatic degradation or dissolution. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, when the payload liquid is located within the polymer network, the payload liquid is protected from external factors (e.g. like UV radiation, temperature changes and solvent exposure).

[0047] Without being bound by theory, the polymer network may be a three-dimensional network. In embodiments, the polymer network can be an electrostatic network, covalent network, ionic network, double cross-linked network, interpenetrating network (IPN), semi-interpenetrating network (SIPN) or a hydrogel network. The polymer network may include chemical cross-linking (e.g. the polymer network may include cross-linking via covalent bonds) or physical cross-linking (e.g. physical entwining of polymer chains at junctions). This can include cross-linking between polyvinyl alcohol polymer chains, cross-linking between C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains), cross-linking between polysaccharide polymer chains, crosslinking between polyvinyl alcohol and polysaccharide polymer chains and I or crosslinking between C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains) and polysaccharide polymer chains. In embodiments, the polymer network comprises hydrogen bonding between the polyvinyl alcohol and the polysaccharide. The hydrogen bonding may occur between (i) hydrogen bond donor groups located on the polyvinyl alcohol and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located on the polysaccharide and / or (ii) hydrogen bond donor groups located on the polysaccharide and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located on the polyvinyl alcohol. For example, the polysaccharide may be carboxymethylcellulose, which contains hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups suitable for hydrogen bonding with hydroxyl groups on the polyvinyl alcohol to form the polymer network.

[0048] In embodiments, the polymer network comprises hydrogen bonding between the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and the polysaccharide. The hydrogen bonding may occur between (i) hydrogen bond donor groups located on the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located on the polysaccharide and / or (ii) hydrogen bond donor groups located on the polysaccharide and hydrogen bond acceptor groups located on the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol). For example, the polysaccharide may be carboxymethylcellulose, which contains hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups suitable for hydrogen bonding with hydroxyl groups on the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) to form the polymer network.

[0049] In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol and polysaccharide may be covalently cross-linked to form the polymer network. This cross-linking may include the formation of direct covalent bonds between the polyvinyl alcohol and the polysaccharide. The cross-linking may also include using a suitable cross-linking agent (e.g. cross-linking molecule) to form a bridge between the polyvinyl alcohol and the polysaccharide. Suitable cross-linking agents include citric acid and I or glutaraldehyde.

[0050] In some embodiments, the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polysaccharide may be covalently cross-linked to form the polymer network. This cross-linking may include the formation of direct covalent bonds between the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and the polysaccharide. The cross-linking may also include using a suitable cross-linking agent (e.g. cross-linking molecule) to form a bridge between the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and the polysaccharide. Suitable cross-linking agents include citric acid and / or glutaraldehyde. The polymer film coating according to the present invention comprises a polyvinyl alcohol or a C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol).

[0051] As referred to herein “C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer” refers to a copolymer of a C1-4 alkylene monomer unit and a vinyl alcohol monomer unit. The term “alkylene” refers to a divalent hydrocarbon radical group moiety that forms the monomer unit within the copolymer. By way of illustration, when the alkylene is ethylene, the monomer unit can be represented by the by the chemical formula (C2H4)n or by the structural formula provided directly below, wherein the (*) and (**) denote the points of attachment to adjacent monomer units:

[0052] The vinyl alcohol monomer unit can be expressed by the chemical formula (C2H4O)nor as represented by the structural formula provided directly below, wherein the (*) and (**) denote the points of attachment to adjacent monomer units:

[0053] In some embodiments, the “C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer” is an ethylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (referred to herein as ethylene vinyl alcohol or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, chemically known as poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) and sometimes abbreviated to EVOH). In embodiments, the “C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer” is a methylene and vinyl alcohol copolymer (i.e. methylene vinyl alcohol or poly(vinyl alcohol- co-methylene). In embodiments, the “C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer” is a propylene (e.g. n-propylene or i-propylene) and vinyl alcohol copolymer (i.e. propylene vinyl alcohol or poly(vinyl alcohol-co-propylene). By way of illustration, when the alkylene is n-propylene, the monomer unit can be represented by the by the chemical formula (CsHejn or by the structural formula provided directly below, wherein the (*) and (**) denote the points of attachment to adjacent monomer units:

[0054] In other embodiments, the “C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer” refers to a butylene (e.g. n- butylene, sec-butylene, i- butylene or t-butylene) and vinyl alcohol copolymer (i.e. butyl vinyl alcohol or poly(vinyl alcohol-co-butylene).

[0055] It will be understood that the term C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, as referred to herein, may include linear copolymers or branched copolymers. Such copolymers may include alternating copolymers, random copolymers (i.e. statistical copolymers), block copolymers or graft copolymers. For example, when the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is ethylene vinyl alcohol, the copolymer formed of ethylene and vinyl alcohol units may be arranged as linear chain and formed as an alternating copolymer, random copolymer (i.e. statistical copolymer) or block copolymer. When the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is ethylene vinyl alcohol, the copolymer formed of ethylene and vinyl alcohol units may be arranged as a branched chain and formed as graft copolymer.

[0056] In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight from 5,000 to 200,000 Da, optionally, from 30,000 to 100,000 Da or from 20,000 to 50,000. In other embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 200,000 Da, from 10,000 to 200,000 Da, from 20,000 to 200,000 Da, from 30,000 to 200,000 Da, from 40,000 to 200,000 Da. from 50,000 to 200,000 Da, from 60,000 to 200,000 Da, from 70,000 to 200,000 Da, from 80,000 to 200,000 Da, from 90,000 to 200,000 Da, from 100,000 to 200,000 Da, from 110,000 to 200,000 Da, from 120,000 to 200,000 Da, from 130,000 to 200,000 Da, from 140,000 to 200,000 Da, from 150,000 to 200,000 Da, from 160,000 to 200,000 Da, from 170,000 to 200,000 Da, from 180,000 to 200,000 Da, from 190,000 to 200,000 Da, from 5,000 to 190,000 Da, from 5,000 to 180,000 Da, from 5,000 to 170,000 Da, from 5,000 to 160,000 Da, from 5,000 to 150,000 Da, from 5,000 to 140,000 Da, from 5,000 to 130,000 Da, from 5,000 to 120,000 Da, from 5,000 to 110,000 Da, from 5,000 to 100,000 Da, from 5,000 to 90,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 60,000 Da, from 5,000 to 50,000 Da, from 5,000 to 40,000 Da, from 5,000 to 30,000 Da, from 5,000 to 20,000 Da or from 5,000 to 10,000 Da. In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 190,000 Da, from 20,000 to 180,000 Da, from 30,000 to 170,000 Da, from 40,000 to 160,000 Da, from 50,000 to 150,000 Da, from 60,000 to 140,000 Da, from 70,000 to 130,000 Da, from 80,000 to 120,000 Da or from 90,000 to 110,000 Da. Weight average molecular weight is measured using a suitable gel permeation chromatography technique.

[0057] In embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight from 5,000 to 200,000 Da, optionally, from 30,000 to 100,000 Da or from 20,000 to 50,000. In other embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 200,000 Da, from 10,000 to 200,000 Da, from 20,000 to 200,000 Da, from 30,000 to 200,000 Da, from 40,000 to 200,000 Da. from 50,000 to 200,000 Da, from 60,000 to 200,000 Da, from 70,000 to 200,000 Da, from 80,000 to 200,000 Da, from 90,000 to 200,000 Da, from 100,000 to 200,000 Da, from 110,000 to 200,000 Da, from 120,000 to 200,000 Da, from 130,000 to 200,000 Da, from 140,000 to 200,000 Da, from 150,000 to 200,000 Da, from 160,000 to 200,000 Da, from 170,000 to 200,000 Da, from 180,000 to 200,000 Da, from 190,000 to 200,000 Da, from 5,000 to 190,000 Da, from 5,000 to 180,000 Da, from 5,000 to 170,000 Da, from 5,000 to 160,000 Da, from 5,000 to 150,000 Da, from 5,000 to 140,000 Da, from 5,000 to 130,000 Da, from 5,000 to 120,000 Da, from 5,000 to 110,000 Da, from 5,000 to 100,000 Da, from 5,000 to 90,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 60,000 Da, from 5,000 to 50,000 Da, from 5,000 to 40,000 Da, from 5,000 to 30,000 Da, from 5,000 to 20,000 Da or from 5,000 to 10,000 Da. In some embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 190,000 Da, from 20,000 to 180,000 Da, from 30,000 to 170,000 Da, from 40,000 to 160,000 Da, from 50,000 to 150,000 Da, from 60,000 to 140,000 Da, from 70,000 to 130,000 Da, from 80,000 to 120,000 Da or from 90,000 to 110,000 Da. Weight average molecular weight is measured using a suitable gel permeation chromatography technique.

[0058] Polyvinyl alcohol is commonly made via the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. Hydrolysis levels as used herein to refer to the percentage completion of the hydrolysis reaction for a given polyvinyl acetate when forming the polyvinyl alcohol, wherein the percentage indicates the quantity of acetate groups on the polyvinyl acetate that have been hydrolysed to provide free hydroxyl groups (-OH groups) on the resulting polyvinyl alcohol during synthesis. In certain embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 70-99% or from 85-99%, preferably, from 70-95% or from 85-95%. In other embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 75-95%, from 80-95%, from 90-95%, from 70-90%, from 70-85%, from 70-80% or from 70-75%. In an embodiment, the polyvinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 85-95%. In another embodiment, the polyvinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 95-99%.

[0059] Ethylene vinyl alcohol is commonly made via the hydrolysis of ethylene vinyl acetate. Hydrolysis levels as used herein refer to the percentage completion of the hydrolysis reaction for a given ethylene vinyl acetate when forming the Ethylene vinyl alcohol, wherein the percentage indicates the quantity of acetate groups on the ethylene vinyl acetate that have hydrolysed to provide free hydroxyl groups (-OH groups) on the resulting ethylene vinyl alcohol during synthesis. In certain embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 70-99% or from 85-99%, preferably, from 70- 95% or from 85-95%. In other embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 75-95%, from 80-95%, from 90-95%, from 70-90%, from 70-85%, from 70- 80% or from 70-75%. In an embodiment, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 85-95%. In another embodiment, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a hydrolysis level of from 95-99%.

[0060] In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a melting point of from 160-240 °C or 180-200 °C. In embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a melting point of from 200-260 °C or 210-230 °C.

[0061] In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0062] In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In other embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 20 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 25 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 2 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In further embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 12 wt% to 16 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 12 wt% to 16 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or 13 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0063] In embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In other embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 20 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 25 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 2 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In further embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 25 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 12 wt% to 16 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. Preferably, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 12 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or 5 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In certain embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight from 30,000 to 100,000 Da or from 20,000 to 50,000 Da, hydrolysis level of from 80-95% or from 85-95%, a melting point of from 180-200 °C and is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol has a weight average molecular weight from 30,000 to 100,000 Da, from 20,000 to 50,000 Da or from 20,000 to 30,000 Da, hydrolysis level of from 80-99% or from 95-99%, a melting point of from 180-200 °C and is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0065] In embodiments, it is believed that the polyvinyl alcohol or ethylene vinyl alcohol is acting as a film forming agent and I or emulsifying agent.

[0066] As used herein the term polysaccharide is intended to refer to a polymer chain composed of adjoining monosaccharide units. In embodiments, each monosaccharide unit contains one or more pendant hydroxyl groups, such as two or three hydroxyl groups, e.g. three hydroxyl groups. The term hydroxyl group in this context is intended to refer to an alcoholic -OH group. In other embodiments, each monosaccharide unit contains one or more pendant amino groups, such as two or three amino groups, e.g. three amino groups. The term amino group in this context is intended to refer to an -NH2 group. In other embodiments, each monosaccharide unit contains one or more pendant carboxyl groups, such as two or three carboxy groups, e.g. three carboxy groups. The term carboxy group in this context is intended to refer to a -CO2H group. It is postulated that the presence of free hydroxyl groups, amino groups and I or carboxyl groups along the length the polysaccharide allows for the effective cross-linking between the polysaccharide polymer chains and the polyvinyl alcohol polymer chains or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer chains), for instance, via hydrogen bonding or covalent bonding.

[0067] In embodiments, the polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 900,000 Da, from 100,000 to 900,000 Da, from 200,000 to 900,000 Da, from 300,000 to 900,000 Da, from 400,000 to 900,000 Da, from 500,000 to 900,000 Da, from 600,000 to 900,000 Da, from 700,000 to 900,000 Da, from 800,000 to 900,000 Da, from 50,000 to 800,000 Da, from 50,000 to 700,000 Da, from 50,000 to 600,000 Da, from 50,000 to 500,000 Da, from 50,000 to 400,000 Da, from 50,000 to 300,000 Da, from 50,000 to 200,000 Da, from 50,000 to 100,000 Da. In embodiments, the polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight of from 150,000 to 250,000 Da, from 200,000 to 300,000 Da, from 250,000 to 350,000 Da, or from 650,000 to 850,000 Da. In a preferred embodiment, the polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight of from 200,000 to 300,000 Da.

[0068] In other embodiments, the polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 200,000 Da, from 10,000 to 200,000 Da, from 20,000 to 200,000 Da, from 30,000 to 200,000 Da, from 40,000 to 200,000 Da. from 50,000 to 200,000 Da, from

[0069] 60,000 to 200,000 Da, from 70,000 to 200,000 Da, from 80,000 to 200,000 Da, from

[0070] 90,000 to 200,000 Da, from 100,000 to 200,000 Da, from 110,000 to 200,000 Da, from 120,000 to 200,000 Da, from 130,000 to 200,000 Da, from 140,000 to 200,000 Da, from

[0071] 150,000 to 200,000 Da, from 160,000 to 200,000 Da, from 170,000 to 200,000 Da, from

[0072] 180,000 to 200,000 Da, from 190,000 to 200,000 Da, from 5,000 to 190,000 Da, from 5,000 to 180,000 Da, from 5,000 to 170,000 Da, from 5,000 to 160,000 Da, from 5,000 to 150,000 Da, from 5,000 to 140,000 Da, from 5,000 to 130,000 Da, from 5,000 to 120,000 Da, from 5,000 to 110,000 Da, from 5,000 to 100,000 Da, from 5,000 to 90,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 80,000 Da, from 5,000 to 70,000 Da, from 5,000 to 60,000 Da, from 5,000 to 50,000 Da, from 5,000 to 40,000 Da, from 5,000 to 30,000 Da, from 5,000 to 20,000 Da or from 5,000 to 10,000 Da. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide has a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 190,000 Da, from 20,000 to 180,000 Da, from 30,000 to 170,000 Da, from 40,000 to 160,000 Da, from 50,000 to 150,000 Da, from 60,000 to 140,000 Da, from 70,000 to 130,000 Da, from 80,000 to 120,000 Da or from 90,000 to 110,000 Da. Weight average molecular weight is measured using a suitable size exclusion chromatography technique.

[0073] The polysaccharide may be synthetic, semi-synthetic or natural. In embodiments, the polysaccharide may be derived from a broad range of polysaccharides sources. These include polysaccharide derived from sources selected from the group consisting of plants, algae, animals, bacteria or fungi. Without being bound by theory, in embodiments, it is believed that the polysaccharide is acting as a film forming agent and / or emulsifying agent.

[0074] The polysaccharide may be a neutral, anionic or cationic polysaccharide. In embodiments, the polysaccharide is a starch, cellulose, glucomannan, pectin, hemicellulose, gums (e.g. gum arabic), pectin mucilage, agar, galactan, alginate, carrageenan, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan, dextran, levan, polygalactosamine, gellan, xanthan, pullulan, glycogen, inulin, hyaluronic acid, heparin, carrageenan or combinations thereof.

[0075] In embodiments, the polysaccharide is a homopolysaccharide, for example, glycogen, cellulose, starch, inulin or combinations thereof. In embodiments, the polysaccharide is a heteropolysaccharide, for example, hyaluronic acid, heparin or combinations thereof.

[0076] In embodiments, the polysaccharide is cellulose. The cellulose may be synthetic, semi synthetic or natural. The cellulose may be a cellulose fibre. The cellulose may be a functionalised derivative of cellulose, such as, carboxyalkylated cellulose or other alkylated or hydroxyalkylated celluloses. In embodiments, the polysaccharide is ethylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or combinations thereof. Preferably, the polysaccharide is carboxymethylcellulose.

[0077] In other embodiments, the polysaccharide is chitosan. The cellulose may be a functionalised derivative of chitosan. Chitosan is made via the deacetylation of chitin. Deacetylation levels as used herein refer to the percentage completion of the deacetylation reaction for a given chitosan, where the percentage indicates the quantity of acetate groups on the chitin that have hydrolysed to form amino groups (-NH2). In certain embodiments, the chitosan has a deacetylation level of from 60-100%, 70-95% or from 85-95%. In other embodiments, the chitosan has a deacetylation level of from 75-95%, from 80-95%, from 85-95%, from 90-95%, from 70-90%, from 70-85%, from 70- 80% or from 70-75%. In a preferred embodiment, the chitosan has a deacetylation level of from 85-95%.

[0078] In embodiments, the polysaccharide is carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan or a combination thereof.

[0079] In embodiments, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In other embodiments, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 5 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.5 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 1.5 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In certain embodiments, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% or from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the polysaccharide is carboxymethylcellulose, has a weight average molecular weight from 50,000 to 900,000 Da or from 50,000 to 300,000 Da and is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% or from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the polysaccharide is chitosan, has a weight average molecular weight from 50,000 to 500,000 Da or from 50,000 to 300,000 Da, deacetylation level of from 70-95% and is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% or from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0082] In accordance with the polymer film coating of the present invention, there is a payload liquid located within the polymer network, wherein the payload liquid is water-immiscible. As used herein in the term “payload liquid” refers to a liquid composition which, when located within the polymer network of the polymer film coating or when released from within the polymer network of the polymer film coating into its surrounding environment, is capable of providing an active functional effect. Examples of such active functional effects include, but are not necessarily limited to, delivering cosmetic effects when applied to skin and / or hair, delivering a pharmacological effect when ingested by a living organism, delivering a plant protecting effect, delivering a cleaning and / or disinfecting effect (optionally via competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria) when applied to a surface to be cleaned and delivering a textile modifying effect when applied to a textile substance (e.g. textile softening, moisture transmission or temperature regulating effects). In embodiments, the payload liquid is not part of, and not contained within, a microcapsule.

[0083] As mentioned, the payload liquid is water-immiscible. In embodiments, the payload liquid has a solubility in water of up to 5 g / L at 20 °C or, in particular, of up to 0.5 g / L at 20 °C. The payload liquid has a boiling point above 100 °C, above 180 °C or, preferably, above 250 °C.

[0084] The payload liquid may be an oil, for example, an organic oil or silicone oil. In embodiments, the organic oil is based on esters formed from C6-C22 fatty acids.

[0085] The organic oil may be at least one triglyceride, myristyl myristate, cetyl oleate or a combination thereof. In particular, when the organic oil is a triglyceride, the oil is based on esters formed of C6-C22 fatty acids and glycerol. For example, the triglyceride is caprylic / capric triglyceride. In some embodiments, the oil is a hydrocarbon.

[0086] In embodiments, the organic oil is based on esters formed of C6-C22 fatty acids and a straight chain or branched alcohol. Such organic oils include ethylhexyl palmitate, which is formed from 2-ethylhexanol and palmitic acid.

[0087] In embodiments, the organic oil is a vegetable oil selected from canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, lemon oil, olive oil, pine oil, aloe vera oil or a combination thereof. Other suitable oils include argan (Argania spinosa L.) oil, baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed oil, broccoli (Brassica oleracea) seed oil, mango (Mangifera indica) oil, moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed oil, palm (Elaeisguineensis) oil, tea (Camellia sinensis) seed oil, marula (Sc / erocarya birrea) nut oil, shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) oil, tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil, avocado (seed) oil, teatree oil, coconut oil and hemp (seed) oil. In preferred embodiments, the organic oil is linseed oil.

[0088] The payload liquid may be present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, from 75 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In embodiments, the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 50 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 60 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 70 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 80 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 85 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 85 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 80 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 70 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 40 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 50 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 60 wt% to 80 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 70 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 80 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In one preferred embodiment, the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 80 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In embodiments, where the amounts of polyvinyl alcohol, C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and I or polysaccharide components are specified (e.g. wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating as described herein) and the wt% amounts for each of the specified components, when combined, do not reach a total of 100% it will be understood that the remainder (or balance) of the polymer film coating may be attributed to the payload liquid (including any active agents) unless otherwise specified.

[0089] In embodiments, payload liquid is a triglyceride, such as caprylic / capric triglyceride, and is present in an amount of from 70 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, preferably, from 80 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0090] In embodiments, payload liquid is an organic oil, such as linseed oil, and is present in an amount of from 70 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, preferably, from 80 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0091] In embodiments, the payload liquid comprises an active agent, optionally, wherein the active agent is located within the organic oil or silicone oil as described herein.

[0092] The term “active agent” as used herein refers to a component, which forms part of the payload liquid that is responsible for providing the active functional effect as described above. For example, when the payload liquid comprises an antimicrobial agent as the active agent, it is the antimicrobial agent that demonstrates antimicrobial activity when released onto a substrate and / or into its surrounding environment.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid. The active agent may be located (or carried) within the carrier liquid. The active agent may be a solid (e.g. solid particulate) or liquid. The carrier liquid may be an oil, for example at least one of the organic oils, a silicone oil or a combination thereof as described herein. In other embodiments, the payload liquid is a single substance (e.g. oil) which delivers the active functional effect as described above. For example, the payload liquid is aloe vera oil. In other embodiments, where the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid, the active agent is a solid particulate which is suspended within the carrier liquid. In further embodiments, the active agent is a liquid which is soluble or miscible in the carrier liquid (e.g. the active agent is soluble or miscible in the oil).

[0094] In embodiments, the payload liquid comprises at least one active agent. In alternative embodiments, the at least one active agent comprises to or more active agents, such as two active agents or three active agents.

[0095] The at least one active agent may be selected from UV-filters, biocides, dyes, pigments, emollients, vitamins, cosmetic agents, therapeutic agents, detergents, antimicrobial agents (e.g. a chemical antimicrobial or a probiotic bacteria as described herein), antioxidants agents, fragrances, phase change materials, odour reducing agents or mixtures thereof.

[0096] The at least one active agent may be a cosmetic agent. In embodiments, the cosmetic agent is selected from colorants, bleaching agents, anti-cellulite agent, moisturisers, exfoliants or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the active agent is collagen.

[0097] The at least one active agent may be a therapeutic agent. In embodiment, the therapeutic agent may be those suitable for oral administration, topical application or transdermal delivery. The therapeutic agent may be selected from anaesthetics, hormones, stimulants, antipsychotics, antimuscarinics or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the at least one active agent is aloe vera. In other embodiments, the at least one active agent is cannabidiol.

[0098] In embodiments, the therapeutic agent is an anaesthetic. The anaesthetic may be selected from lidocaine, prilocaine, benzocaine, dibucaine, pramoxine, menthol, methyl salicylate, capsaicin, tetracaine, camphor, phenol, opioids (e.g. morphine) or combination thereof. Preferably, the at least one active agent is capsaicin.

[0099] In embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a hormone. The hormones may be selected from estradiol, testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, and corticosteroids (e.g. hydrocortisone, clobetasone, beclometasone, betamethasone, clobetasol, fluticasone and mometasone).

[0100] In embodiments, at least one active agent may be a biocide. In embodiments, the biocide is a fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, algicides, molluscicides, miticides, piscicides, rodenticides, and slimicides or any combination thereof.

[0101] The at least one active agent may be a bacteria, for example, probiotic bacteria.

[0102] The at least one active agent may be an antimicrobial agent. In embodiments, antimicrobial agent comprises one antimicrobial agents. In alternative embodiments, the antimicrobial comprises two or more antimicrobial agents, such as two antimicrobial agents or three antimicrobial agents. It can be advantageous to use combinations of antimicrobial agents, so as to target a wider variety of microbes, and I or to reduce the likelihood of microbes becoming resistant to the antimicrobials or developing such resistance. The antimicrobial agent may be a chemical agent. The antimicrobial agent may be selected from the following group guanides (such as bisbiguanides and polymeric biguanides), bispyridines, taurolidine, quaternary ammonium compounds, silver and its compounds (such as silver salts), copper and its compounds (such as copper salts), zinc and its compounds (such as zinc salts), and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the quaternary ammonium compounds may be selected from benzylalkyldimethyl ammonium compounds, alkyltrimethyl ammonium compounds, dialkyldimethyl ammonium compounds, alkyldimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium compounds, alkyl pyridinium ammonium compounds or a combination thereof. The antimicrobial agent may be a naturally occurring antimicrobial agent, such as, chitosan or geraniol.

[0103] In some embodiments, the active agent may be a microorganism (e.g. bacteria). Optionally, the active agent is an antimicrobial agent such as a microorganism with antimicrobial properties. In embodiments, the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of sporous bacteria, sporous fungi, sporous yeast, non-sporous bacteria, non- sporous fungi or non-sporous yeast. Preferably, the microorganisms is a sporous bacteria. The bacteria may be of the genus Lactobacillus. In embodiments, the bacteria is selected from the group including but not limited to Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus delbrueckiil, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, the Lactococcus genus including Lactococcus lactis (subsp. Lactis), Streptococcus thermophiles, Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. Shermanir, Enterococccus genus, including Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus thermophiles, the Bifidobacterium genus, including Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bacillus genus, including Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus thermophilus, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus polymyxa Sporolactobacillus genus, Micromonospora genus, Micrococcus genus, Rhodococcus genus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas genus, including Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[0104] In embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may include one or more bacterial genus. The antimicrobial agent may be a mixture, or blend, of two or more microorganisms.

[0105] In embodiments, the microorganism may be a probiotic microorganism, for example, probiotic bacteria. The probiotic bacteria may be at least one of Bacillus, Lactic Acid Bacteria, soil Bacteria, water Bacteria, human microbiome Bacteria or plant Bacteria.

[0106] In embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In further embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megaterium or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In other embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

[0107] In embodiments, where the antimicrobial agent includes probiotic bacteria, at least one prebiotic agent may be present. The prebiotic agent may be a prebiotic polysaccharide, for example, galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin or a combination thereof.

[0108] In embodiments, the probiotic bacteria has an allergen reducing effect on a substrate (e.g. a textile substrate). In such embodiments, the probiotic bacteria may be at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In such embodiments, the probiotic bacteria may be a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In other embodiments, the probiotic bacteria may be at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In such embodiments, the probiotic bacteria may be a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In such embodiments, probiotic bacteria may be at least one of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megaterium or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. In such embodiments, the probiotic bacteria may be a mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

[0109] In embodiments, the at least one active agent is a phase change material. The phase change material is selected from the group n-octacosane, n-heptacosane, n- hexacosane, n-pentacosane, n- tetracosane, n-tricosane, n-docosane, n-heneicosane, n-eicosane, n-nonadecane, n-octadecane, n-heptadecane, n-hexadecane, n- pentadecane, n-tetradecane, n-tridecane, n- dodecane or any combination thereof.

[0110] In embodiments, the at least one active agent is a naturally occurring wax. For example, carnauba wax, rice bran wax, sunflower wax, sugar cane wax, candelilla wax or soy wax. In embodiments, the at least one active agent is a vitamin. Suitable vitamins include vitamin A, vitamin A acetate, vitamin D, vitamin E, tocopherol derivatives, such as tocopherol acetate, tocotrienols derivatives and vitamin K or any combination thereof. In embodiments, the at least one active agent is vitamin E acetate. In other embodiments, the at least one active agent is ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.

[0111] In embodiments, where the payload liquid comprises an active agent, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, from 0.1 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In embodiments, where the payload liquid comprises an active agent, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 5 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 15 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 1 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In other embodiments. In other embodiments, where the payload liquid comprises an active agent, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 .5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 3 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 3.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 4 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 4.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 4.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 3.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 1.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 1 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.1 wt% to 0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 0.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 1.5 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, from 2 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 1.5 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid. In these embodiments, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In such embodiments, the active agent is vitamin E acetate, probiotic bacteria and I or capsaicin, and the carrier liquid is an organic oil (e.g. triglyceride).

[0113] The polymer film coating according to the present invention may comprise a preservative. Suitable preservatives act to prevent microbial growth within the polymer film coating composition before, during and after use. In embodiments, the preservative is a 1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one based preservative composition. In embodiments, the preservative is present in an amount of from 0.05 wt% to 0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or is present in an amount of from 0.05 wt% to 0.2 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

[0114] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof, comprising forming the polymer network containing the payload liquid within the polymer network.

[0115] In embodiments, the step of forming the polymer network containing the payload liquid comprises applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to a substrate. Applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to a substrate can be performed using any suitable method, for example, a padding method or an exhaustion method. In embodiments, the step of applying the precoating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to a substrate involves the removal of water. In embodiments, the removal of water involves evaporating water under a suitable temperature, for example, above 30°C or above 60°C.

[0116] The third aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

[0117] It is appreciated that delivering of the payload liquid is achievable via any suitable breaking of the polymer network, such as, mechanical rupture of the polymer network, dissolution of the polymer network, enzymatic degradation of the polymer network, UV degradation (i.e. exposure to UV light) of the polymer network and I or diffusion of the liquid payload through the polymer network. In particular, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via mechanical rupturing of the polymer film coating which result in the breaking and I or opening of the polymer network within the polymer film coating to the extent that the release and delivery of the payload liquid to a location occurs. The mechanical rupturing may occur due to a frictional force or an impact force being applied to the polymer film coating during use. In some embodiments, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via dissolution of the polymer film coating. This dissolution of the polymer film coating may occur due to the polymer film coating being exposed to a solvent which causes the polymer film coating to solubilise and / or dissolve upon contact with the solvent. This may cause the breaking and I or opening of the polymer network within the polymer film coating to allow for the release and delivery of payload liquid to a location. Suitable solvents include any solvents capable of dissolving the polymer film coating upon contact, such as, aqueous solvents. In embodiments, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via diffusion of the payload liquid through and out of the polymer network formed within the polymer film coating during use.

[0118] The fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a pre-coating composition capable of forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof, the pre-coating composition comprising (i) an aqueous liquid containing the (i) polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, (ii) polysaccharide, and (iii) the payload liquid, wherein the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated. In embodiments, the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is ethylene vinyl alcohol. The present inventors have established a pre-coating composition which is capable of forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention on a substrate (e.g. textile surfaces, fabrics and fibres). This imparts functional effects to that substrate. The pre-coating composition includes an aqueous liquid containing the (i) polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and the (ii) polysaccharide as well as (iii) a payload liquid, wherein the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated. As described herein, the payload liquid is water-immiscible which prevents the payload liquid from forming a homogenous solution with the aqueous liquid. It has been found that by utilising a phase separated pre-coating composition as described herein, it is possible to form the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the invention and embodiments thereof by applying the pre-coating composition to a surface. The composition allows for the formation of a polymer film coating which possesses improved biodegradation and pollutant characteristics as compared to the known synthetic polymer based microcapsule technologies but also manages to achieve excellent loading capacities as compared to the existing biodegradable microcapsules.

[0119] In embodiments, the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated and form at least two layers. In some embodiments, the payload liquid and aqueous liquid form a biphasic mixture comprising a payload liquid layer and an aqueous liquid layer. In other embodiments, the pre-coating composition is an emulsion. Where the pre-coating composition is an emulsion, the emulsion includes a dispersed payload liquid phase and a continuous aqueous liquid phase. In embodiments, the payload liquid phase is dispersed within the continuous aqueous liquid phase.

[0120] In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 5 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. The polyvinyl alcohol may be present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 6 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 7 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 8 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 9 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 10 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 11 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 12 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 13 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 14 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 14 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 13 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 12 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 11 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 9 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 8 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 6 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 2 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 4 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 5 wt% to 9 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0121] In embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 1 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. The ethylene vinyl alcohol may be present in an amount of from 1 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 3 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 4 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 5 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 6 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 7 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 8 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 9 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 10 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 11 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 12 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 13 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 14 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 14 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 13 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 12 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 11 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 9 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 8 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 6 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 1 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the ethylene vinyl alcohol is present in an amount of from 1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0122] In embodiments, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. The polysaccharide may be present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 3 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 4 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 5 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 6 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 7 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 8 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 9 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 9 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 8 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 6 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 1 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 0.1 wt% to 0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 0.5 wt% to 1.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition

[0123] In embodiments, the aqueous liquid is present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 45 wt% to 55 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. The aqueous liquid may be present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 45 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 50 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 55 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 40 wt% to 55 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 40 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 40 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the aqueous liquid is present in an amount of from 50 wt% to 55 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 51 wt% to 53 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0124] The aqueous liquid includes any liquid suitable for carrying the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polysaccharide components. In embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polysaccharide are suspended in the aqueous liquid to form a heterogeneous mixture. In other embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polysaccharide are solubilised in the aqueous liquid to form a homogeneous solution. The aqueous liquid may comprise water. In embodiments, the aqueous liquid is water.

[0125] In embodiments, the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 20 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 35 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. The payload liquid may be present in an amount of from 25 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 30 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 35 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 40 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 45 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 25 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 25 wt% to 40 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 25 wt% to 35 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 25 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 25 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 30 wt% to 40 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 35 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 20 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0126] In embodiments, where the amounts of polyvinyl alcohol, C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and I or polysaccharide components are specified (e.g. wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition as described herein) and those wt% amounts for each of the specified components, when combined, do not reach a total of 100% it will be appreciated that the remainder (or balance) of the precoating composition may be attributed to the payload liquid and I or aqueous liquid (including the polyvinyl alcohol, C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and / or polysaccharide unless otherwise specified)).

[0127] In embodiments, where the payload liquid comprises an active agent, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition, from 1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 2 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 3 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 4 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 5 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 6 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 7 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 8 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 9 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 9 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 8 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 6 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, from 0.1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 0.1 wt% to 2 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In some preferred embodiments, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 0.2 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0128] Where, in embodiments, the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or from 0.2 wt% to 2.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition. In such embodiments, the active agent is vitamin E acetate, probiotic bacteria or capsaicin (e.g. capsicum oleoresin), and the carrier liquid is an organic oil (e.g. triglyceride).

[0129] Where the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid, the active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition or from 0.2 wt% to 7 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition. In these embodiments, the active agent is vitamin E acetate, probiotic bacteria or capsaicin (e.g. capsicum oleoresin), and the carrier liquid is an organic oil (e.g. triglyceride).

[0130] The pre-coating composition in accordance with the present invention may comprise a preservative. In embodiments, the preservative is a 1 ,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one based preservative composition. In embodiments, the preservative is present in an amount of from 0.01 wt% to 0.5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition or is present in an amount of from 0.05 wt% to 0.2 wt% relative to the total weight of the precoating composition.

[0131] The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof, comprising forming a mixture comprising the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid.

[0132] In embodiments, the forming a mixture comprising the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid comprises contacting the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid to form an emulsion. In embodiments, the forming a mixture comprising the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid comprises contacting the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid to form a phase separated mixture with at least two layers.

[0133] The aqueous liquid may be formed by mixing an aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and an aqueous solution of the polysaccharide to form the aqueous liquid. Optionally, wherein a preservative, as described herein, is additionally mixed with the aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and the aqueous solution of the polysaccharide to form the aqueous liquid.

[0134] In an embodiment, the payload liquid is formed by mixing a carrier liquid (e.g. organic oil) with at least one active agent, as described herein.

[0135] The aqueous solution of the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) may be formed by mixing the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) in water whilst stirring at a temperature of from 60°C to 90°C, preferably, at 70°C to 80°C.

[0136] The aqueous solution of the polysaccharide may be formed by mixing the polysaccharide in water whilst stirring at a temperature of from 40°C to 70°C, preferably, at a temperature of from 50°C to 60°C.

[0137] The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof for forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof.

[0138] In embodiments, the use of the pre-coating composition for forming the polymer film coating comprises applying the pre-coating composition to a substrate. It will be appreciated that applying the pre-coating composition to the substrate results in forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention on the substrate. It will be appreciated that the polymer network as described herein is also formed during this step. The step of applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention to the substrate can be performed using any suitable method, for example, a padding method or an exhaustion method. In embodiments, the step of applying the pre-coating composition to the substrate involves the removal of water from the pre-coating composition during the step of applying the pre-coating composition to the substrate. In embodiments, the removal of water involves evaporating water under a suitable temperature, for example, above 30°C or above 60°C.

[0139] Where the step of applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention to the substrate is performed by a padding method, the substrate is dried at from 50°C to 150°C or from 80°C to 130°C. In embodiments, the substrate is dried at approximately 80°C and, optionally, then at 130°C.

[0140] The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a coated substrate comprising a substrate and the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein the polymer film coating is coated on the substrate.

[0141] As referred to herein the term “substrate” refers to any material (living or non-living) on which the polymer film coating according to the present invention can be formed, reside and I or deliver an active functional effect. Suitable substrates include living substrates and non-living substrates.

[0142] Living substrates include surfaces forming part of a living organism. For example, a surface of a human (e.g. human skin and I or human hair), a surface of an animal (e.g. animal skin and I or animal fur) or a surface of a plant.

[0143] Non-living substrates include surfaces forming part of a textile, fabrics, leather, wood, paper, metal, ceramics, glass, plastics or a combination thereof. In preferable embodiments, the substrate is a textile. In embodiments, the substrate is a cotton-based substrate, for example, make-up remover pads. In other embodiments, the substrate is a down fibre and / or feather based substrate.

[0144] Where the substrate is a textile or a fabrics, the textile or fabrics may be formed of natural or artificial fibres. The textile may be non-woven, weaved, knitted, crocheted, knotted, laced, braided, felted or bonded. In embodiments, the textile forms part of a textile article. The textile article may be apparel (e.g. sports / outdoor apparel) or bedding material (e.g. mattress ticking). In some embodiments, the textile article is a non-apparel article such as bedding material, carpets, rugs, curtains, drapes, furniture, packaging or the like. Other substrates include, insulation materials, towels, pet bedding, floor mats, wipes, sponges, outdoor textile articles (e.g. tents, sleeping bags), shoes or components thereof (e.g. insoles) and backpacks or components thereof.

[0145] The eighth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making the coated substrate according to the seventh aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof comprising forming the polymer film coating according to the first aspect of the present invention of embodiments thereof on the substrate.

[0146] In embodiments, the step of forming the polymer film coating comprises applying the precoating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to the substrate. Applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to the substrate can be performed using any suitable method, for example, a padding method or an exhaustion method. In embodiments, the step of applying the pre-coating composition according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or embodiments thereof to a substrate involves the removal of water. In embodiments, the removal of water involves evaporating water under a suitable temperature, for example, above 30°C or above 60°C.

[0147] The ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the coated substrate according to the seventh aspect of the present invention for delivering the payload liquid to a location. It will be appreciated that delivering of the payload liquid is achievable via any suitable breaking of the polymer network, such as, mechanical rupture of the polymer network, dissolution of the polymer network, enzymatic degradation of the polymer network, UV degradation (i.e. exposure to UV light) of the polymer network and I or diffusion of the liquid payload through the polymer network. In particular, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via mechanical rupturing of the polymer film coating which results in the breaking and I or opening of the polymer network within the polymer film coating to the release and deliver the payload liquid to a location. The mechanical rupturing may occur due to a frictional force or impact force being applied to the polymer film coating during use. For example, where the coated substrate comprises an article of apparel (e.g. sports I outdoor apparel) or bedding material (e.g. mattress ticking), it will be appreciated that the normal use of the coated substrate by a person may cause the mechanical rupture of the polymer film coating and thus trigger the release of the payload liquid. In particular, where the coated substrate comprises bedding material, the act of a person sleeping on the bedding material will cause the mechanical rupture of the polymer film coating and the release of the payload liquid onto the bedding material and its surrounding environment. In other embodiments, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via dissolution of the polymer film coating on the coated substrate. This dissolution of the polymer film coating on the coated substrate may occur due to the polymer film coating being exposed to a solvent capable of solubilising and I dissolving the polymer film coating. This can cause the breaking and I or opening of the polymer network formed within the polymer film coating to allow the release and delivery of payload liquid to a location. Suitable solvents include any solvents capable of dissolving the polymer film coating upon contact, such as, aqueous solvents. In embodiments, the delivering of the payload liquid may occur via diffusion of the payload liquid through and out of the polymer network formed within the polymer film coating.

[0148] It will be understood that term location as used herein refers to any substrate, as defined herein in, and its surrounding environment.

[0149] In a tenth aspect of the present invention there is a polymer film coating comprising (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and (ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network, and (iii) a payload liquid located within the polymer network, wherein the payload liquid is water-immiscible. The polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention does not form part of a microcapsule. The polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) according to the tenth aspect of the present invention has a weight average molecular weight from 30,000 to 100,000 Da or from 20,000 to 50,000 Da and optionally the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) has a hydrolysis level of from 85-95% or 95-99%. In the tenth aspect of the present invention the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) is present in an amount of from 5 wt% to 10 wt% or from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. The polysaccharide according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is cellulose, in particular, carboxymethylcellulose or chitosan, has a weight average molecular weight from 50,000 to 900,000 Da or from 50,000 to 300,000 and is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 4 wt% or from 1 wt% to 3 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. The payload is present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating (e.g. 75 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating). In the tenth aspect of the present invention, the payload liquid comprises an active agent and a carrier liquid. The active agent is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or from 1 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating. In embodiments of the tenth aspect of the present invention, the active agent is probiotic bacteria, capsaicin and I or vitamin E and the carrier liquid is an organic oil, optionally, triglyceride.

[0150] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is a method of making the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, comprising forming the polymer network containing the payload liquid within the polymer network.

[0151] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

[0152] In an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is pre-coating composition capable of forming the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention and embodiments thereof, the pre-coating composition comprising (i) an aqueous liquid containing the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol) and the polysaccharide, and (ii) the payload liquid, wherein the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated.

[0153] In yet another aspect of the present invention there is a method of making the pre-coating composition according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, comprising forming a mixture comprising the aqueous liquid and the payload liquid.

[0154] Further aspects of the present invention relates to the use of the pre-coating composition according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention for forming the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention.

[0155] A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to a coated substrate comprising a substrate and the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention wherein the polymer film coating is coated on the substrate. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making the coated substrate according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention comprising forming the polymer film coating according to the tenth aspect of the present invention on the substrate.

[0156] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the coated substrate according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

[0157] Where certain components (e.g. the polyvinyl alcohol, C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (e.g. ethylene vinyl alcohol), polysaccharide, and I or payload liquid) are specified to be present in wt% amounts (e.g. wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating or wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition) and the wt% amounts for each of the specified components, when combined, do not reach a total of 100%, it will be understood that the remainder (or balance) of the polymer film coating or pre-coating composition may be attributed to the presence of water (e.g. residual water), other suitable solvents and I or auxiliaries agent unless otherwise specified. Such auxiliaries include, but are not limited to, film forming agents, emulsifying agents, thickening agents, softening agents, wetting agents or a combination thereof.

[0158] It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applicable to another aspect of the invention. For example, features of the first aspect of the present invention may be applicable to the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth aspects of the invention.

[0159] Method and examples

[0160] The following examples are intended to illustrate aspects and embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as being limitations thereon. Characterisation of polymer coating films, pre-coating compositions and constituent components (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol and polysaccharide) were, unless otherwise stated, performed using standard analytical techniques.

[0161] Method 1 : Preparation of pre-coating composition for forming the polymer film coating according to the present invention The pre-coating compositions of the present invention may be prepared according to suitable synthesis methods. An exemplary method of preparing a pre-coating composition of the present invention is provided below.

[0162] Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol solution (containing 21 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol relative to the total weight of the polyvinyl alcohol solution) was performed according to the following steps:

[0163] 1 . The weight of a beaker was recorded before being placed on a hotplate stirrer.

[0164] 2. Distilled water (79 g) was then added to the beaker.

[0165] 3. The distilled water was subjected to mechanical stirring at a temperature controlled of 80°C.

[0166] 4. Polyvinyl alcohol (21 g) (Achisize F 105 supplied by Achitex Minerva or Polyvinyl alcohol 5-88 supplied by Merck) was then weighed and added portion-wise to the distilled water to produce a viscous mixture.

[0167] 5. The beaker was covered with a lid and the mixture stirred at 70°C - 80°C for 30 - 60 minutes until the polyvinyl alcohol had completed dissolved.

[0168] 6. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature (approximately 18°C - 20°C) and the beaker weighed again.

[0169] 7. Where loss of distilled water had occurred (e.g. via evaporation during heated mixing), additional distilled water was added to the mixture to reach a weight of 100 g of solution contained within the beaker. This provides the polyvinyl alcohol solution (containing 21 wt% of polyvinyl alcohol relative to the total weight of the polyvinyl alcohol solution) (herein referred to as “PVOH solution”).

[0170] Preparation of carboxymethylcellulose solution (containing 3 wt% of carboxymethylcellulose relative to the total weight of the carboxymethylcellulose solution) was performed according to the following steps:

[0171] 1 . The weight of a beaker was recorded before being placed on a hotplate stirrer.

[0172] 2. Distilled water (97 g) was added to the beaker.

[0173] 3. The distilled water was subjected to mechanical stirring at the temperature controlled at 55°C.

[0174] 4. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (3 g) (Na-CMC 4520C supplied by Roeper) was then weighed and added portion-wise to the distilled water to produce a viscous mixture. 5. The beaker was covered with a lid and the mixture stirred at approximately 55°C for 30 minutes until the carboxymethylcellulose had completed dissolved.

[0175] 6. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature (approximately 18°C - 20°C) and the beaker weighed again.

[0176] 7. Where loss of distilled water had occurred (e.g. via evaporation during heated mixing), additional distilled water was added to the mixture to reach a weight of 100 g of solution contained within the beaker. This provides the carboxymethylcellulose solution (containing 3 wt% of carboxymethylcellulose relative to the total weight of the carboxymethylcellulose solution) (herein referred to as “CMC solution”)

[0177] Preparation of a liquid payload containing vitamin E acetate and a triglyceride based carrier oil was performed according to the following steps:

[0178] 1. Triglyceride based carrier oil (Ester 610 supplied by Mosselman) (37.9 g) was weighed into a beaker.

[0179] 2. Vitamin E acetate (DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate supplied by DSM) (2 g) was added to the beaker to provide a triglyceride and Vitamin E mixture.

[0180] 3. The mixture was stirred for approximately 15 - 30 minutes at approximately 20°C to provide the payload liquid as an oil.

[0181] Preparation of an aqueous liquid containing polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose was performed according to the following steps:

[0182] 1 . PVOH solution (30 g) and CMC solution (30 g), which are described above, were mixed together under mechanical stirring to provide an aqueous PVOH I CMC mixture.

[0183] 2. To the aqueous PVOH I CMC mixture was added a preservative (0.1 g) (Proxel GXL supplied by Lonza) before mixing to provide the aqueous liquid containing polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose. Alternatively, the preservative can be added to the PVOH solution and / CMC solution prior to their mixing together.

[0184] Forming the pre-coating composition from the aqueous liquid containing polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose and the payload liquid was performed according to the following steps: 1. Payload liquid (39.9 g) was added to the aqueous liquid containing polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose (60.1 g).

[0185] 2. The mixture was stirred thoroughly at approximately 20°C to provide the precoating composition (herein referred to as “pre-coating composition 1”) as a milky white emulsion.

[0186] Table 1 provided below provides the weight percentage (wt%) of each component within pre-coating composition 1 relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0187] Table 1

[0188] Method 2: Application of the pre-coating composition onto a textile substrate to form the polymer film coating according to the present invention

[0189] The pre-coating compositions of the present invention, prepared according to the methods described above, may be suitably applied to a textile substrate according to the exemplary methods provided below.

[0190] A pre-coating composition as described herein can be applied to a textile substrate via a padding method according to the following steps:

[0191] 1. A treatment bath of the pre-coating composition was prepared. The pH of the composition located within the treatment bath was checked and adjusted if necessary to approximately pH 4.5.

[0192] 2. Textile substrates were then dipped into the treatment bath until completely wetted out and then immediately passed through rubber rollers of a padding machine to remove excess pre-coating composition from the substrates. Wet pickup measurements were then taken.

[0193] 3. The wet textile samples are then dried at from 80°C to 130°C to afford treated textiles with the polymer film coating formed thereon.

[0194] Examples of textile substrates, which have been treated with pre-coating composition 1 described in Table 1 according to the padding method described above, are detailed in Table 2 below. Table 2 details the textile substrate material, weight, wet pickup values achieved, pre-coating composition wet add-on values, treatment bath recipe and pH value for the padding bath for each textile sample.

[0195] Table 2

[0196] It will be appreciated that the bath recipes as disclosed herein are calculated using the following formula:

[0197] Bath recipe (g / L) = [desired wet add-on (g / m2) I (wet pick-up (%) x weight of textile substrate (g / m2)] x 100000

[0198] Alternatively, a pre-coating composition as described herein can be applied to a textile substrate via an exhaustion process according to the following steps:

[0199] 1. Textile substrates were scoured in water at a liquor ratio of 1 :10 using the nonionic detergent (Millscour XAN) at 2% o.w.g. The mixture was kept at a temperature of 40°C and mixed for 10 - 15 minutes. Water was then removed and the textile substrates were then washed with water three times. Textile substrates were then placed in a spinner until excess liquid was removed. 2. The substrates from step 1 were then subjected to treatment with Mikra EX at 4% o.w.g. with a liquor ratio of 1 :10 in water at 20°C. The mixture was heated to 40°C and stirred for 5 - 10 minutes. Textile substrates were then placed in a spinner until excess liquid was removed.

[0200] 3. The substrates from step 2 were then treated with pre-coating composition 1 (as described in Table 1) at 5% o.w.g. with a liquor ratio of 1 :10 in water at 20°C. The temperature of the mixture was raised to 35°C and stirred for 15 - 20 minutes. The substrates were then placed in a spinner, until excess liquid was removed, and then tumble-dried to provide a treated textile sample on which a polymer film coating has been formed via an exhaustion process.

[0201] Method 3: HPLC measurement method (Devan Test Method 62) for quantifying the amount of vitamin E acetate on a treated textile

[0202] In order to quantify the amount of organic payload material that was successfully delivered onto a textile substrate, the following materials were used and methods followed.

[0203] Materials:

[0204] 50 ml falcon tube 15 ml falcon tube Ethanol (100%) Methanol (100% HPLC-grade) 0.22 pm filters Vortex mixer Eppendorf tubes

[0205] Vacuum centrifuge

[0206] HPLC system equipped with a reversed-phase C18 column

[0207] Method:

[0208] 1 . Cut out 100 cm2of treated or untreated textile sample.

[0209] 2. From each 100 cm2prepare four equal 25 cm2textile pieces. 3. Transfer one 25 cm2textile piece to a single 50 ml Falcon tube.

[0210] 4. Add 6 ml of ethanol (100%) to the textile piece in the Falcon tube and vortex at 3200 rpm for 20 minutes using a Vortex Genie 2.

[0211] 5. Remove the textile piece and filter the extraction solution through a 0.22 pm filter.

[0212] 6. Transfer 500 pl of the extraction solution to a 2 ml Eppendorf tube.

[0213] 7. Remove solvent from the extraction solution using a vacuum centrifuge to provide a solid pellet of vitamin E acetate.

[0214] 8. Dissolve the vitamin E acetate pellet in 500 pl of methanol (100% HPLC-grade) to provide a HPLC sample liquid.

[0215] 9. Vortex the HPLC sample liquid for 30 seconds at 3200 rpm and place the sample in a sonication bath for 5 minutes.

[0216] 10. If the sample contains solids then filter using 0.22 pm filter (5 min at 12.300xg) or if the sample is clear centrifuge for 5 minutes at 300xg.

[0217] 11. Transfer the sample to a HPLC vial.

[0218] 12. Analyse the sample using a suitable HPLC method to provide vitamin E acetate quantities.

[0219] Table 3 below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using the HPLC method described above, on treated Textile Samples 1-4. Two separate 25 cm2textile pieces were assessed per treated Textile Samples 1-4 and the average taken to provide the values in Table 3. Treated textiles 1-4 were prepared using pre-coating composition 1 as detailed in Table 1. The amount of vitamin E acetate is provided as average milligrams (mg) per meter squared (m2) of the textile sample tested.

[0220] Table 3

[0221] Table 4 below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts for (i) 100% Cotton Knit textile sample and (ii) compression sock (85% nylon, 8% spandex and 7% polyester) both of which have been treated with pre-coating composition 1 using the exhaustion process described above.

[0222] Table 4

[0223] Method 4: Vitamin E loading comparison for pre-coating composition of the present invention versus “bio-based” capsules

[0224] Preparation of proprietary bio-based capsules was performed using gelatin and a polysacharride. The capsules contained a triglyceride and Vitamin E payload mixture.

[0225] Samples textile substrates of 100% cotton knit fabric were treated with pre-coating composition 1 (as described in Table 1) and the bio-based capsules, described above using the padding method as described herein.

[0226] Table 5 below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using the Method 3 (HPLC) described above, for textile samples treated with pre-coating composition 1 (Textile Sample 7) and the bio-based capsules (Textile Sample 8).

[0227] Table 5

[0228] Method 5: Wash durability tests

[0229] Textile samples 1-4 were then subjected to wash durability tests according to the following method steps:

[0230] 1. Textile samples were washed at 40°C in an automatic washing machine with a non-ionic surfactant (Imbentin LI080). 2. The washed textile samples where then dried at a temperature of approximately 40°C for 45 minutes. The samples were then air-dried.

[0231] 3. The washed textile samples from step 2 were then tested for loaded vitamin E acetate quantities using Method 3 described herein.

[0232] Table 6 below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using Method 3 (HPLC), for Textile Samples 1-4 which have been washed one time (x1), 5 times (x5), 10 times (x10) and twenty times (x20).

[0233] Table 6

[0234] Figure 1 illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts after different wash cycle numbers for Test Samples 1-4 whilst Figure 2 illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts after different wash cycle numbers for Test Samples 5-6. With these tests, it has been shown that polymer film coatings according to the present invention demonstrate excellent wash durability whereby active payload agents, located within the coatings, are protected from loss over multiple wash cycles. Method 6: Pillowcase release profile study

[0235] A pillowcase use trial was performed to verify that payload liquid, containing active agent, is released from polymer film coatings according to the present invention, which have been formed on a pillowcase, during sleep usage. The trial was performed according to the following steps:

[0236] 1 . Three pillowcases were treated with 3 g / m2of the pre-coating composition 1 via Method 2 (padding technique) described above.

[0237] 2. One of the pillowcases was left unused (control) whilst the other two pillowcases were used by a human subject for sleeping. The duration of each sleep was approximately 8 hours on average per day and the pillow was used once a day for 21 consecutive days by the human subject.

[0238] 3. The unused pillowcase was immediately subjected to vitamin E acetate measurements using Method 3 (HPLC).

[0239] 4. After 3 weeks of usage, the two used pillowcases were subjected to vitamin E acetate measurements using Method 3 (HPLC).

[0240] Figure 3 illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts for the unused control pillowcase and the two used pillowcases. This study demonstrates that active payloads are effectively released from the polymer film coatings of the present invention over a prolonged period of time.

[0241] Method 7: Delivery of probiotics

[0242] A pre-coating composition containing a blend of probiotic bacterial spores (Devan Chemicals NV Probiotex, containing a blend of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) was prepared using a method analogous to that described in Method 1 , apart from that Probiotex was added to the payload liquid containing vitamin E acetate and the triglyceride based carrier oil, to provide pre-coating composition 2. The Probiotex blend is known for its ability to reduce allergen content on a textile.

[0243] Table 7 provided below details the weight percentage (wt%) of each component within pre-coating composition 2 based on the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

[0244] Table 7 Pre-coating composition 2 as described above in Table 7 was then applied to a textile substrate via a padding method described above (see Method 2). Table 8 details the substrate material, weight, wet pickup values achieved, pre-coating composition 2 wet add-on values, treatment bath recipe and pH value for the padding bath used.

[0245] Table 8

[0246] Samples of Textile Sample 8 were then washed (x5 and x10) at 40°C using a non-ionic detergent. The growth of probiotic bacteria on unwashed and washed fabrics was evaluated by placing samples of Textile Sample 8, washed and unwashed, in contact with an agar plate for 10 minutes with a weight placed on top. The samples were then removed from the plate and the plate incubated for 48 hours at 30°C using the Devan Test Method 51. The photographic image shown in Figure 4 illustrates excellent growth of probiotic bacteria for unwashed samples and washed samples (x5 and x10) and demonstrates the capability of pre-coating compositions of the present invention to form polymer coating compositions of the present invention on the surface of textile and effectively functionalise the textile with probiotic bacteria.

[0247] Method 8: Analysis of chitosan based pre-coating composition and polymer coating compositions according to the present invention

[0248] A pre-coating compositions containing a chitosan was prepared using a method analogous to that described in Method 1 , apart from that the carboxymethylcellulose solution was replaced with a chitosan solution to provide pre-coating composition 3a (including a triglyceride based carrier oil (Ester 610)) and pre-coating composition 3b (including linseed carrier oil)).

[0249] Preparation of the chitosan solution (containing 3 wt% of chitosan based on the total weight of the chitosan solution) was prepared using a similar method to that described for carboxymethylcellulose solution (see Method 1) except that the distilled water was adjusted to pH 3 using lactic acid at the start of the process.

[0250] Table 9 provided below provides the weight percentage (wt%) of each component within the chitosan containing pre-coating composition 3a and 3b based on the total weight the pre-coating composition.

[0251] Table 9

[0252] Pre-coating composition 3a and 3b was then applied to a textile substrate via a padding method described above (see Method 2). Table 10 details the substrate material, weight, wet pickup values achieved, pre-coating composition wet add-on values, treatment bath recipe and pH value for the padding bath used.

[0253] Table 10

[0254] Samples of Textile Sample 9a and 9b (from pre-coating compositions 3a and 3b, respectively) were then washed (x1 , x5 and x10) at 40°C using a non-ionic detergent.

[0255] Table 11a below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using the Method 3 (HPLC) described above, for a textile sample treated with pre-coating composition 3a (Textile Sample 9a).

[0256] Table 11a

[0257] Table 11b below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using the Method 3 (HPLC) described above, for a textile sample treated with pre-coating composition 3b (Textile Sample 9b).

[0258] Table 11 b

[0259] Figure 5a illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts at different wash cycle numbers for Test Sample 1 containing a carboxymethylcellulose based polymer coating composition according to the present invention versus Test Sample 9a containing a chitosan based polymer coating composition according to the present invention.

[0260] Figure 5b illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts at different wash cycle numbers for Test Sample 9a containing a chitosan based polymer coating composition according to the present invention.

[0261] Method 9: Analysis of ethylene vinyl alcohol based pre-coating composition and polymer coating compositions according to the present invention

[0262] A pre-coating compositions containing ethylene vinyl alcohol was prepared using a method analogous to that described in Method 1 , apart from that the polyvinyl alcohol solution was replaced with an ethylene vinyl alcohol solution (containing 10 wt% of ethylene vinyl alcohol based on the total weight of the ethylene vinyl alcohol solution) to provide pre-coating composition 4.

[0263] Preparation of the ethylene vinyl alcohol solution was prepared using a similar method to that described for polyvinyl alcohol solution (see Method 1), except that a temperature of 90-95°C for at least 90 min is reguired for dissolution of the ethylene vinyl alcohol solution.

[0264] Table 10 provided below provides the weight percentage (wt%) of each component within the ethylene vinyl alcohol containing pre-coating composition 4 based on the total weight the pre-coating composition.

[0265] Table 10

[0266] Pre-coating composition 4 was then applied to a textile substrate via a padding method described above (see Method 2). Table 11 details the substrate material, weight, wet pickup values achieved, pre-coating composition 4 wet add-on values, treatment bath recipe and pH value for the padding bath used.

[0267] Table 11

[0268] Samples of Textile Sample 10 were then washed (x1 , x5 and x10) at 40°C using a nonionic detergent.

[0269] Table 12 below provides measured vitamin E acetate amounts, using the Method 3 (HPLC) described above, for a textile sample treated with pre-coating composition 3 (Textile Sample 9).

[0270] Table 12 Figure 6 illustrates measured vitamin E acetate amounts at different wash cycle numbers for Test Sample 10 containing an ethylene vinyl alcohol based polymer coating composition according to the present invention.

[0271] It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the embodiments herein made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, for instance, the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Moreover, any one or more of the above described embodiments could be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments and all such combinations are intended within the present disclosure.

[0272] Optional and / or preferred features may be used in other combinations beyond those explicitly described herein and optional and / or preferred features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be present in another aspect of the invention, where appropriate.

[0273] The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as “preferable”, “preferably”, “preferred” or “more preferred” in the description suggest that a feature so described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” or “at least one,” are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

56CLAIMS:1 . A polymer film coating comprising:(i) a polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and(ii) a polysaccharide forming a polymer network; and a payload liquid located within the polymer network, wherein the payload liquid is water-immiscible.

2. The polymer film coating according to claim 1 , wherein the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 95 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, from 75 wt% to 90 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

3. The polymer film coating according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 30 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is present in an amount of from 10 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

4. The polymer film coating according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating, optionally, the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the polymer film coating.

5. The polymer film coating according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polysaccharide is carboxymethylcellulose, chitosan or a combination thereof.

6. The polymer film coating according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the payload liquid is an organic oil or silicone oil.

7. The polymer film coating according to claim 6, wherein the organic oil is a triglyceride.

578. The polymer film coating according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the payload liquid comprises an active agent, optionally, wherein the active agent is located within the organic oil or silicone oil according to claims 6 or 7.

9. The polymer film coating according to claim 8, wherein the active agent is selected from UV-filters, biocides, dyes, pigments, emollients, vitamins, cosmetic agents, therapeutic agents, detergents, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants agents, fragrances, phase change materials, odour reducing agents or mixtures thereof.

10. A pre-coating composition capable of forming the polymer film coating according to any one of the preceding claims, the pre-coating composition comprising: an aqueous liquid containing the (i) polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer and the (ii) polysaccharide; and the payload liquid; wherein the payload liquid and aqueous liquid are phase separated.

11. The pre-coating composition according to claim 10, wherein the pre-coating composition is an emulsion.

12. The pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 or 11 , wherein the payload liquid is present in an amount of from 20 wt% to 50 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 35 wt% to 45 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

13. The pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol or C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is present in an amount of from 2 wt% to 15 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 5 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

14. The pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the polysaccharide is present in an amount of from 0.1 wt% to 10 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.5815. The pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the aqueous liquid is present in an amount of from 40 wt% to 60 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition, optionally, from 45 wt% to 55 wt% relative to the total weight of the pre-coating composition.

16. A coated substrate comprising a substrate and the polymer film coating according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the polymer film coating is coated on the substrate.

17. The coated substrate according to claim 16, wherein the substrate is a textile.

18. A method of making the coated substrate according to any one of claims 16 or 17 comprising forming the polymer film coating according to any one of claims 1 to 9 on the substrate.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein forming the polymer film coating comprises applying the pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 15 to the substrate.

20. Use of the polymer film coating according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for delivering the payload liquid to a location.

21. The polymer film coating according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the pre-coating composition according to any one of claims 10 to 15, the coated substrate according to claims 16 or 17, the method according to claims 18 or 19 and the use according to claim 20, wherein the C1-4 alkylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is ethylene vinyl alcohol.

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