Highly Durable Antibacterial Properties of Cellulosic Fabric via β-Cyclodextrin/Essential Oils Inclusion Complex

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Chemistry
• Applied Microbiology

Background:

• Essential oils (EOs) possess antibacterial properties but face limitations in textile applications due to volatility and poor water solubility.
• Developing methods to stabilize EOs is crucial for their integration into functional textiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/EO inclusion complexes for fabric treatment.
• To evaluate the scent stability and antibacterial efficacy of EOs/βCD-treated cellulosic fabrics.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of β-CD/EO inclusion complexes using pad dry cure and pad batch methods.
• Fixation of complexes onto cotton fabric using a glyoxal crosslinking agent.
• Characterization via SEM, FTIR, and weight gain analysis; assessment of scent stability and antibacterial activity against pathogens.

Main Results:

• Successful deposition of β-CD/EOs on cellulose-based fabric confirmed by SEM, FTIR, and weight gain.
• β-CD inclusion complexes enhanced scent stability, with lavender oil showing high stability for 30 days.
• Treated fabrics exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with notable inhibition zones, persisting after five washing cycles.

Conclusions:

• The EOs/βCD inclusion complex deposition method effectively enhances EO stability and imparts antibacterial properties to cotton fabric.
• The treated fabric demonstrates potential for applications in the medical and hospital sectors due to its antimicrobial capabilities.