Recent Advances in Textile Functionalization Using Essential Oil-Based-Microcapsules with Antimicrobial Properties

Tamara Georgievska; Stefan Trajkovikj; Katerina  Atkovska; Kiril Lisichkov

doi:10.14502/tekstilec.68.2025025

Authors

Tamara Georgievska Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Institute for chemical and control engineering, Rugjer Boshkovikj 16, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1976-334X
Stefan Trajkovikj Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Natural Science and Mathematics, Institute of Chemistry, Arhimedova 3, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8893-6079
Katerina Atkovska Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Institute for inorganic technology, Rugjer Boshkovikj 16, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0315-1157
Kiril Lisichkov Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, Institute for chemical and control engineering, Rugjer Boshkovikj 16, 1000 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9905-576X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14502/tekstilec.68.2025025

Keywords:

antimicrobial properties, sustainability, essential oils, microcapsules, textile functionalization

Abstract

Antimicrobial textiles are functionalized textiles designed to inhibit or terminate the growth of microorganisms. In light of the increasing emphasis on eco-friendly processes, the application of essential oils presents a viable alternative to synthetic drugs (antibiotics). The aim of this study was to evaluate recent advances in microencapsulation methods of essential oils with antimicrobial activity that can be applied on medical textile for dermal use by employing the PRISMA methodology. Essential oils have been microencapsulated using various methods: coacervation, spray-drying, emulsion method and in situ polymerization. Among these, coacervation is still extensively utilized, though associated scale-up challenges persist. Many essential oils have demonstrated antibacterial properties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria, as well as antifungal activity (Candida albicans). The growth inhibition of these microorganisms was assessed in the presence of the following essential oils and their active substances with the highest biological-antimicrobial activity: cinnamon (transcinnamaldehyde), lime (α-terpineol, terpineol, and limonene), tea tree (terpinen-4-ol), rosemary (1,8-cineole and α-pinene), peppermint (l-menthol, menthone, methyl acetate and limonene), lavender (linalool and linalyl acetate), thyme (carvacrol) and clove (eugenol). The findings indicate that functionalized textile with microcapsules exhibits enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), which could be attributed to the bacteria’s thick wall. However, there is a notable lack of data regarding cytotoxicity and the sensory evaluation of functionalized textile. The potential utilization of essential oils was explored in the development of eco-friendlier functionalized textile with antimicrobial properties. However, additional research is required to maximize the antimicrobial activity of microcapsules to overcome challenges in the scale-up to pilot process, and to improve the immobilization in textiles.

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