Abstract

This study reports a novel application of four emulsions based on thyme essential oil-beeswax matrix with beneficial antimicrobial and induced well-being effects (e.g., aromatherapeutic patches and socks, decorative pillows) that can be used in textile materials manufacturing (e.g. bandages, dressings, patches). These emulsions were properly prepared by varying the beeswax (2–4% w/v) and essential oil (2–4% v/v) concentrations, and characterized based on several physical–chemical quality indicators (pH, density, acidity and peroxide indexes, total polyphenols, flavonoids and fatty acids). The stability of emulsions and creaming index were highlighted by optical microscopy. The release of thyme essential oil incorporated in beeswax matrix was estimated through UV/Visible spectrophotometry. The bioactive compounds (total polyphenols and flavonoids) from emulsions, applied on cotton support, are the principal responsible constituents for textile antibacterial activity, which was evaluated against two bacteria (E. coli and St. aureus). The diameter of inhibition zone referring to each bacterial strain growth ranges from 31.0 to 43.2 mm for E. coli bacteria and from 33.2 to 53.2 mm for St. aureus bacteria (due to biological active compounds release, depending on the diffusion degree). Comfort performances (hygroscopicity and vapor permeability) of the treated cotton support have also been evaluated. The obtained results recommend these bioactive emulsions with antibacterial action in textile materials production.

Graphic abstract

中文翻译：

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在纺织材料生产中具有有益抗菌作用的生物活性乳液

摘要

这项研究报告了一种基于百里香精油-蜂蜡基质的四种乳液的新型应用，这些乳液具有有益的抗菌作用和良好的保健效果（例如，芳香疗法贴剂和袜子，装饰枕头），可用于纺织材料制造（例如，绷带，敷料） ，补丁）。通过改变蜂蜡（2-4％w / v）和精油（2-4％v / v）的浓度正确制备这些乳液，并根据几个物理化学质量指标（pH，密度，酸度和过氧化物）进行表征指数，总多酚，类黄酮和脂肪酸）。通过光学显微镜突出了乳液的稳定性和乳化指数。通过UV /可见光分光光度法估计掺入蜂蜡基质中的百里香精油的释放。大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌）。涉及每个细菌菌株生长的抑制区的直径，对于大肠杆菌而言为31.0至43.2 mm，对于金黄色葡萄球菌而言为33.2至53.2 mm （由于生物活性化合物的释放，取决于扩散程度）。还评估了处理过的棉布的舒适性能（吸湿性和透湿性）。获得的结果推荐了在纺织材料生产中具有抗菌作用的这些生物活性乳液。

图形摘要