Functionalization of cellulosic-based fabrics using nanoemulsion of bitter apple seed extract for protection against...

Developing disposable antibacterial facemasks is crucial for preventing respiratory infections while reducing environmental waste from disposable masks. This study presents a cost-effective facemask functionalized with a nanoemulsion of bitter apple seed extract (BASE) to enhance its antimicrobial properties. BASE was extracted using microwave-assisted extraction and formulated into a nanoemulsion with an average particle size of 391.6 nm. The antibacterial activity of the functionalized cotton fabric (FCF) was evaluated against clinically significant respiratory bacterial strains. The BASE nanoemulsion exhibited strong antibacterial efficacy, with complete bacterial growth reduction rates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values demonstrated a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect, with Acinetobacter baumannii showing the highest susceptibility. Time-kill assays revealed complete bacterial eradication at 2 × MIC within 30-50 min. Further, BASE nanoemulsion also exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 31.94 μg/mL, and potent anticancer activity against H460 lung cancer cells, reducing cell viability to 14.6 % at the highest concentration tested. The results indicated that FCF had a superior antibacterial potential against selected bacteria. Stability assessments of FCF demonstrated that the bioactive compounds remained effective under varying pH, temperature, and soaking conditions. Biocompatibility studies indicated that the treated fabric is non-toxic and safe for prolonged use. The results suggest that FCF is a promising candidate for designing disposable facemasks with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This innovation provides an eco-friendly and effective solution for reducing bacterial transmission and addressing respiratory infections.