Antimicrobial controlled release systems for the knitted cotton fabrics based on natural substances

Materials with antibacterial properties, that can be used as barrier materials, hygiene products, plasters or bandages, have been obtained by applying some systems consisting of essential oils incorporated in beeswax and beeswax/chitosan. The influence of oil, wax and chitosan amounts on emultion stability has been analyzed by optical microscopy. The controlled release of essential oils of Eucalyptus (EEO), Tea Tree (TTEO) and Sage (SEO) incorporated in beeswax and beeswax/chitosan from the treated material was estimated through UV/Visible spectrophotometric analyses. The antibacterial effect of the emulsions and of the materials obtained by treating them with these emulsions have been investigated against the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Escherichia Coli ATCC 25922 bacteria. Comfort performances (air and vapor permeability and hygroscopicity) for the treated materials have also been evaluated. The best antimicrobial activity and the highest amount of essential oil released in vitro were obtained for the treatment variants that contain 7.14 % beeswax and 26.67 % essential oil, and respectively 26.67 % essential oil, 3.33 % beeswax and 3.33 % chitosan.