Biomaterials with controlled release of geranium essential oil

Abstract

This research aimed to produce personal care biomaterials with an antimicrobial and flavoring effect that allowed the controlled release of biologically active constituents. We investigated the manufacturing conditions of oil-in-water-type chitosan emulsions encapsulating geranium essential oil and the influence on controlled release and antimicrobial effect of the biologically active compounds. The materials were obtained by applying the polymeric matrix/biologically active principal system on a 100% cotton textile substrate. Seven treatment variants that differ one from another by the concentrations of the two components of the system (the polymer and the biologically active compound) were used. The release profile of the biologically active principal from the treated textile substrate was analyzed according to the Peppas kinetic models. The results suggest that the forming of emulsions should be processed under the following conditions: a concentration of chitosan of 0.250% (w/v), geranium essential oil 0.450% (w/v), Tween 80 1% (w/v) and glycerine 2% (w/v), so that we could obtain biomaterials with the best controlled release of biologically active compounds.

Keywords:

• geranium essential oil
• chitosan
• controlled release
• antimicrobial effect

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Assoc. Prof. Simona Dunca (‘Alexandru Ioan Cuza’ University, Faculty of Biology, Iasi, Romania) for the antimicrobial test.