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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
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Antimicrobial Biomaterial on Sutures, Bandages and Face Masks with Potential for Infection Control

Zehra Edis1,2, Samir Haj Bloukh2,3, Hamed Abu Sara2,3

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates.

Polymers
|May 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat. A novel formulation combining Aloe Vera (AV), Trans-cinnamic acid (TCA), and Iodine (I2) shows potent antimicrobial activity, offering a sustainable solution for wound care and reusable face masks.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, increasing morbidity and mortality.
  • Traditional antimicrobials are becoming less effective against resistant microorganisms.
  • Iodine and plant-derived compounds (phytochemicals) exhibit antimicrobial properties and are often unaffected by AMR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a novel antimicrobial formulation for wound care and infection prevention.
  • To investigate the efficacy of a combination of Aloe Vera (AV), Trans-cinnamic acid (TCA), and Iodine (I2) encapsulated in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix.
  • To explore the potential of this formulation for coating medical devices like sutures, bandages, and face masks.

Main Methods:

  • A formulation of AV, TCA, and I2 encapsulated in a PVP matrix (AV-PVP-TCA-I2) was synthesized.
  • The formulation was impregnated into sterile discs, medical gauze bandages, surgical sutures, and face masks.
  • Morphological, purity, and compositional analyses were performed using various analytical techniques.
  • Antimicrobial activity was assessed using disc diffusion assays against ten microbial strains, compared to gentamycin and nystatin.

Main Results:

  • The AV-PVP-TCA-I2 formulation demonstrated excellent antifungal activity.
  • Strong to intermediate antibacterial activity was observed against most tested pathogens, particularly when incorporated into bandages and face masks.
  • The formulation's physical and chemical properties were confirmed through analytical testing.

Conclusions:

  • The AV-PVP-TCA-I2 formulation presents a promising alternative to conventional antimicrobials for preventing and treating surgical site and wound infections.
  • Coating medical textiles with this formulation offers potential for sustainable reuse of items like face masks, aiding in waste management.
  • This novel approach addresses the challenge of AMR by utilizing compounds less susceptible to resistance mechanisms.
Keywords:
Aloe VeraCOVID-19antimicrobial resistancecinnamic acidiodophorssurgical site infection

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