Spray-Dried Oregano Oil and Lavender Oil Microcapsules for Antibacterial Sports and Leisurewear

In this research, an industrially adaptable method is designed for antibacterial clothing. The essential oils of oregano and lavender were extracted using water vapor distillation, then they were spray-dried to form microcapsules. Comprehensive morphological analysis revealed the round shape of the microcapsules with smooth surfaces. The mean size of the optimum oregano and lavender microcapsules were 5.2 mu m and 2.2 mu m. The essential oils were detected in the polymeric matrix as peaks of microcapsules' infrared spectra resembled both oils and polymer. Thermal analyses showed that encapsulation delays the degradation of the essential oil. The microcapsules were applied to six different fabrics used in sports and leisurewear by exhaustion. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated the existence of capsules after 10 washes. The antibacterial properties of cotton fabrics were assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in terms of the oil and washings. The developed products can serve as a long-lasting, natural antibacterial alternative to other products on the market.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work (AromaTex) was supported by MANUNET as an international project collaboration between Romania and the Republic of Turkiye. It is funded by TUBITAK Scientific and Technological Research Council in the frame of the TEYDEB Project 917025 and by UEFISCDI as MNET17/NMAT-1240 and by grants of the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CCCDI-UEFISCDI, project number 29/2018COFUNDMANUNET III-AromaTex, project title Manufacturing of value-added textiles for aromatherapy and skin care benefits.''MANUNET; TUBITAK Scientific and Technological Research Council [917025]; UEFISCDI; Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CCCDI-UEFISCDI [29/2018COFUNDMANUNET III-AromaTex