DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTIGATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL TEXTILE MATERIALS BASED ON PLANT EXTRACTS AND BIOPOLYMERS

Abstract

This study investigates the properties of textile materials modified with natural antimicrobial formulations. To impart biocidal characteristics, two types of compositions were utilized. In particular, Composition 1, containing wormwood extract, chitosan, and glycerol, and Composition 2, containing bay leaf extract, hyaluronic acid, and dexpanthenol, were employed for the research. Besides, the GOST 9.060-75 standard was used to evaluate the materials’ resistance to microflora, whereasthe GOST 9.048-89 standardwas applied to determine their biocidal activity. It was established that while materials treated with the compositions retain their structural integrity, untreated samples experience molding and degradation. The highest biocidal resistance was observed in the material with the wormwood extract and chitosan-based formulation, which demonstrated complete inhibition of Staphylococcus bacteria growth. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphological studies revealed a uniform distribution of biocidal particles on the fiber surfaces. FTIR spectroscopy data indicated changes in the chemical composition of the fibers, expressed in the appearance of bands corresponding to the functional groups of the components used. Furthermore, toxicological testing confirmed the safety of materials treated with natural biocidal components for human skin. The findings provide evidence for the possibility of producing antimicrobial materials that are suitable for medical, sanitary, and hygienic use on the basis of plant extracts and biopolymers.