Novel green antimicrobial textile coatings for use in the healthcare and sport arenas

Aims To develop a novel green microencapsulation process for textile antimicrobial coating for the treatment of medical and sports related skin conditions and malodour, which will: • incorporate eco-friendly microcapsule wall materials (biodegradable polymers). • provide controlled release of the core material (essential oils). • exclude toxic substances.

Methods and results The essential oils (EOs), Litsea, Lemon, Rosewood, Rosemary, Bergamot, Citronella, Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Peppermint and Thyme oil were screened by the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The most effective oil was Litsea oil, with an average zone of inhibition (ZoI) of 4.7 cm, 2.0 cm, 5.3 cm and 4.3 cm against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. epidermidis respectively. Lemon and Rosemary were the only other EOs which were found to be effective against P. aeruginosa with mean ZoI’s of 2.1cm and 2.4 cm respectively, as well as inhibiting the other 3 bacteria. S.aureus was the most susceptible organism being inhibited by all EOs; P. aeruginosa in turn was the most resistant to the EOs.

Conclusions Litsea, Lemon and Rosemary EOs were the most inhibitory oils screened, therefore, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for these EOs will be determined and they will also be screened against the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.

Significance of study Increased awareness of the textiles industries’ impact on the environment, creates a need for new green processes using eco-friendly materials. The use of EOs as the core material of microcapsules in textile coatings, could lead to an effective textile coating which is not only green but also functional in the treatment of medical or sports related skin conditions. This innovative delivery system will go some way to alleviate infections such as athlete’s foot, body odour caused by sweat and atopic eczema.