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Development of chitosan-based antimicrobial leather coatings
Isabel P Fernandes1, Joana S Amaral, Vera Pinto
1Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering (LSRE), Associate Laboratory LSRE/LCM, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Campus Santa Apolónia Ap. 1134, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal. ipmf@ipb.pt
Carbohydrate Polymers
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Antimicrobial footwear leather was developed using chitosan coatings. Drum impregnation with 1% chitosan in formic acid for 2 hours proved most effective for antimicrobial activity and coating quality.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Leather Technology
Background:
- Antimicrobial coatings are crucial for footwear components to prevent microbial growth.
- Chitosan possesses inherent antimicrobial and film-forming properties suitable for material applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop antimicrobial leather materials for footwear using chitosan.
- To optimize chitosan coating technologies and parameters for effective antimicrobial properties.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan was used to coat leather materials via drum, calender, and spray coating techniques.
- The drum coating method was optimized by varying chitosan concentration, solubilizing acid, and impregnation time.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate coating effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Drum coating yielded superior antimicrobial results compared to calender and spray methods.
- Optimal conditions identified: 1% (w/v) chitosan in formic acid solution with a 2-hour impregnation time.
- The optimized method demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity and coating integrity.
Conclusions:
- Drum impregnation with 1% chitosan in formic acid for 2 hours is the most effective and economically viable method for producing antimicrobial leather.
- This optimized approach enhances footwear hygiene and durability.
