Antibacterial activity of textile fibers containing poly(Ethylene oxide-b-lactic acid) nanoparticles with incorporated essential oils

Abstract

In this study was evaluated the antibacterial activity of textile fibers containing poly (ethylene oxide-b-lactic acid) nanoparticles with incorporated essential oils. The developed system demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting its potential use as antibacterial agent. Diblock copolymers based on a fixed PEO block (5kDa) and two different PLA segments (4.5 or 10kDa) were used. The morphology, encapsulation efficiency, blending interaction of essential oils (including lavender, tea tree, thyme, cloves, cedar and lemon grass) and polymer and the release kinetics of the active agent in the nanoparticles. The hy-drodynamic radius of the nanoparticles determined by light scattering was affected by the size of the poly(lactic acid) block. The in vitro release suggests that the polymeric barrier is able to control the oil re-lease. Antibacterial activity was more effective in textiles with randomly arranged fibers. In agreement with studies from the literature, nanoparticles obtained from copolymers with lower PLA molar mass favored the release of the essential oil mixture. The incorporation process of the essential oils in the textile fibers proved to be efficient, suggesting viability regarding the use of this system in the antibacterial control. The devel-oped systems offer a new strategy for controlled release with antibacterial activity and suggesting a potential application in the footwear industry.