Development of Advanced Textile Finishes Using Nano-Emulsions from Herbal Extracts for Organic Cotton Fabrics

The development of textile finishing with improved functional properties has been a growing interest among industry and scientists worldwide. The recent global pandemic also enhanced the awareness amongst many toward improved hygiene and the use of antimicrobial textiles. Generally, natural herbal components are known to possess antimicrobial properties which are green and eco-friendly. This research reports a novel and innovative method of developing and optimising nano-emulsions using two combinations of herbal extracts produced from Moringa oleifera, curry leaf, coconut oil (nano-emulsion 1) and other using Aegle marmelos with curry leaf and coconut oil (nano-emulsion 2). Nano-emulsions were optimised for their pH, thermal stability, and particle size, and percentage add-on. Organic cotton fabrics (20 and 60 gsm) were finished with nano-emulsions using continuous and batch processes and characterised for their surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The finished fabrics were evaluated for their Whiteness Index, assessed for antimicrobial resistance against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using AATCC 100 and 147 methods. In addition, fabrics were assessed for their antifungal efficacy (AATCC 30), tensile strength and air permeability. Results suggested that finished organic fabrics with nano-emulsions had antimicrobial resistance, antifungal, wash fastness after 20 washing cycles, and sufficient strength. This novel finishing method suggests that organic cotton fabrics treated with nano-emulsions can be used as a durable antimicrobial textile for healthcare and hygiene textiles.

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An Overview on the Ongoing Clinical Trials of COVID-19 Vaccines

10.31703/giidr.2020(v-i).05 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol V (I) ◽

pp. 39-48

Author(s):

Syeda Komal Fatima ◽

Ameena Tur Rasool ◽

Ayesha Sabir ◽

Gul Shahnaz

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Safety Profile ◽

Clinical Endpoint ◽

Phase 3 ◽

Research Reporting ◽

Development Of Resistance ◽

Global Pandemic

COVID-19 has posed a great threat to mankind, there is a dire need to introduce a vaccine to combat this global pandemic. Several vaccines are underway to complete their phase 3 clinical trials. This article highlights events surrounding the ongoing clinical trials of vaccines effective against COVID-19, and different procedures and formalities the vaccine will have to endure to get EUA. Clinical trials are discussed stepwise along with the clinical endpoint desired at the end of these trials. In line with antimicrobial resistance, vaccine resistance has also emerged in this era and needs focused consideration, and the probability of development of resistance in these vaccines is discussed. This article specifically covers the latest research reporting clinical efficacy, safety profile, and adverse events following the administration of doses to patients and concerns regarding the rushed approval of vaccines. Four vaccines have been discussed in detail; BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, Sputnik V, ChAdOx1.

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Enhanced Antibacterial Efficiency of Cellulosic Fibers: Microencapsulation and Green Grafting Strategies

Coatings ◽

10.3390/coatings11080980 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 980 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dorra Dridi ◽

Aicha Bouaziz ◽

Sondes Gargoubi ◽

Abir Zouari ◽

Fatma B’chir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antibacterial Activity ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Cotton Fabrics ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Wall Material ◽

Chemical Components ◽

Syzygium Aromaticum ◽

Disk Diffusion Test ◽

Cellulosic Fibers

We report an analysis of chemical components of essential oils from barks of Ceylon cinnamon and cloves of Syzygium aromaticum and an investigation of their antibacterial activity. The components of oils were determined by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and the antimicrobial activity was assessed by the disk diffusion test. The synergic effect of essential oils mixture (cinnamon oil and clove oil) was evaluated. Antimicrobial properties were conferred to cellulosic fibers through microencapsulation using citric acid as a green binding agent. Essential oil mixture was encapsulated by coacervation using chitosan as a wall material and sodium hydroxide as a hardening agent. The diameter of the produced microcapsules varies between 12 and 48 μm. Attachment of the produced microcapsules onto cotton fabrics surface was confirmed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transformed Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results show that microcapsules were successfully attached on cotton fabric surfaces, imparting antibacterial activity without significantly affecting their properties. The finished cotton fabrics exhibited good mechanical properties and wettability.

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Emerging Scientists Supplementary Issue II: Nature inspired Antimicrobial Nanotextured Surfaces

Molecular Frontiers Journal ◽

10.1142/s2529732520970032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 04 (Supp01) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Tan Yee Lin

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Physical Contact ◽

Health Security ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Promising Strategy ◽

Contact Killing ◽

Supplementary Issue

The development of cross infections arising from bacteria transmission on frequently touched facilities has led to an urgent need to promptly disinfect these surfaces, such as hand railings, door handles and elevator buttons. Conventional antimicrobial disinfectants are not ideal as they contribute to the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis. In recent years, the discovery that the wings of insects such as the Clanger cicada (Psaltoda claripennis) possess naturally occurring antimicrobial properties has led to a growing interest to synthetically recreate these surfaces. The use of a physical contact killing mechanism on such nanotextured surfaces is a promising strategy for curbing the proliferation of bacteria, as it is unlikely to contribute to the formation of antimicrobial resistance. Here, I highlight the key advantages of using these antimicrobial nanotextured materials and how they could play a role in safeguarding public health security, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

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Antimicrobial Polymers: The Potential Replacement of Existing Antibiotics?

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20112747 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (11) ◽

pp. 2747 ◽

Cited By ~ 41

Author(s):

Nor Fadhilah Kamaruzzaman ◽

Li Peng Tan ◽

Ruhil Hayati Hamdan ◽

Siew Shean Choong ◽

Weng Kin Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Direct Application ◽

Antimicrobial Compounds ◽

Antimicrobial Polymers ◽

Synthetic Compounds ◽

Global Challenge ◽

Polymeric Carriers ◽

Natural Peptides

Antimicrobial resistance is now considered a major global challenge; compromising medical advancements and our ability to treat infectious disease. Increased antimicrobial resistance has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. The lack of discovery of novel compounds from natural products or new classes of antimicrobials, encouraged us to recycle discontinued antimicrobials that were previously removed from routine use due to their toxicity, e.g., colistin. Since the discovery of new classes of compounds is extremely expensive and has very little success, one strategy to overcome this issue could be the application of synthetic compounds that possess antimicrobial activities. Polymers with innate antimicrobial properties or that have the ability to be conjugated with other antimicrobial compounds create the possibility for replacement of antimicrobials either for the direct application as medicine or implanted on medical devices to control infection. Here, we provide the latest update on research related to antimicrobial polymers in the context of ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens. We summarise polymer subgroups: compounds containing natural peptides, halogens, phosphor and sulfo derivatives and phenol and benzoic derivatives, organometalic polymers, metal nanoparticles incorporated into polymeric carriers, dendrimers and polymer-based guanidine. We intend to enhance understanding in the field and promote further work on the development of polymer based antimicrobial compounds.

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Honey and its antimicrobial properties

Journal of Prescribing Practice ◽

10.12968/jprp.2019.1.8.376 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (8) ◽

pp. 376-377

Author(s):

George Winter

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Wound Care ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Prevention Of Infection

In a world where antimicrobial resistance is taking hold, George Winter discusses the benefits of medical honey in the prevention of infection in wound care

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Herbal Extracts for Ensuring Pork Meat Quality during Cold Storage

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences Section B Natural Exact and Applied Sciences ◽

10.1515/prolas-2017-0080 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 71 (6) ◽

pp. 453-460 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ilze Grāmatiņa ◽

Sanita Sazonova ◽

Zanda Krūma ◽

Līga Skudra ◽

Līga Prieciņa

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Control Sample ◽

Meat Products ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Sensory Properties ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Pork Meat ◽

Herbal Extracts ◽

Chilled Pork

Abstract Oxidation and microbial spoilage have a negative effect on the quality of meat and meat products, causing changes in their sensory and nutritional properties. Herbs contain biologically active compounds, like phenols with antioxidative and antimicrobial properties. Phenols can be used as substitutes for commercial antioxidants to prevent lipid oxidation, thus maintaining the colour and flavour of the product. The aim of the study was to investigate the the potential use of herbal extracts in ethanol/water application for the maintenance of pork meat quality during storage. Four herbs growing in Latvia — nettle (Urtica dioica L.), lovage (Levisticum officinale L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana L.) were chosen for the study. An optimal ethanol concentration for the extraction of the phenolic compounds was obtained with ethanol 50%/water 50% concentration (v/v). Prepared herbal extracts were added to chilled pork to determine the quality of the pork during storage. Changes in meat quality and its sensory properties for chilled pork without extracts appeared on day 18 of storage. Negative changes in sensory properties of meat samples with nettle extract were observed on day 22 of storage, and with lovage, oregano, and horseradish extracts on day 32. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed for microbiological indices between pork samples with herbal extracts and the control sample.

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Characterization of microemulsions formulated from naturally and chemically extracted oils from Cocos nucifera Linne

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research ◽

10.4314/njpr.v16i1.5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 39-48

Author(s):

O.A. Adetunji ◽

B. Adesanwo ◽

O.A. Odeniyi

Keyword(s):

Castor Oil ◽

Cocos Nucifera ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Tween 80 ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Oil Extraction ◽

Hot Water ◽

Copper Zinc

Background: Oil derived from Cocos nucifera Linne (CNL) has been used in formulating creams; however, its use in formulation of microemulsion is not well documented in literature.Objective: Oils obtained from CNL were characterized, used in the formulation of microemulsions and were evaluated for their antimicrobial properties in comparison with Castor oil BP (CO) and commercially available coconut oil (CACO).Methodology: Oil from CNL was extracted by maceration in hot – water and petroleum ether to yield naturally extracted oil (NEO) and chemically extracted oil (CEO) respectively. The NEO and CEO were used in formulating microemulsions containing pre-determined ratios (3:7, 1:1, 9:1) of oil to surfactant mix (Smix) [containing polyethylene glycol: Tween 80® at ratio 2:1] Characterization of NEO, CEO and microemulsions were carried out using elemental constituents, rheology, physico-and phyto-chemical analysis, thermal stability and antimicrobial profiles as parameters. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA at p<0.05Results: The NEO and CEO contained antraquinones and terpenoids, but were devoid of lead, copper, zinc, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids. Viscosity profiles were in the order CO>CEO>CACO>NEO. The microemulsions were in the size range 54.24±0.26-89.08±0.07 μm. Microemulsions of oil:Smix (3:7) were the most stable. Inhibition ranking was Candida sp.D25 (CEO:Smix>CACO: Smix>NEO: Smix>NEO>CO>CEO), Candida sp.D33 (CEO = CO>CACO: Smix=NEO>CEO:Smix=NEO:Smix), Staphylococcus sp.DS2 (NEO>CO>CACO:Smix>NEO: Smix>CEO: Smix=CEO) and Pseudomonas sp.DP8 (NEO:Smix>CO>CACO:Smix>CEO:Smix=NEO > CEO).Conclusion: Oil derived from CNL has good potentials as an excipient in the formulation of microemulsions and the method of oil extraction had a significant effect on the antimicrobial activities and on the microemulsions formulated using the oils. Keywords: Coconut oil, extraction method, castor oil, microemulsions, antimicrobial properties.

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