ε‐Polylysine Composite Microcapsules for In‐Situ Conservation of Waterlogged Wooden Cultural Relics

ABSTRACT

This study aims to construct an ε‐polylysine (EPL)–sodium alginate (SA) composite microcapsule system (EPL/OEO@SAM) via electrostatic composite‐emulsification crosslinking method. The optimal preparation parameters were determined as 0.25% EPL concentration and 5 min reaction time, achieving a maximum EE of 34.24%. Multi‐dimensional characterizations confirmed the successful formation of EPL‐SA polyelectrolyte complexes and core‐shell structure of composite microcapsules. Antibacterial tests showed that EPL/OEO@SAM had significantly enhanced inhibitory effects against all dominant wood‐degrading microorganisms isolated from the Tianluoshan site, with the largest inhibition zone diameter of 32.67 ± 2.52 mm against Trichoderma breve (PM2). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.64 g/L. This study provides a more efficient and durable antibacterial material for the in situ conservation of waterlogged wooden cultural relics.