Bioactive emulsions with beneficial antimicrobial application in textile material production

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