Antimicrobial cotton wipes functionalized with Melaleuca alternifolia Pickering emulsions stabilized with cellulose nanofibrils

Abstract

In this report, we applied cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a stabilizer of oil-in-water Pickering emulsion of Melaleuca alternifolia EO (MaEO). Different Pickering MaEO emulsion contents were applied in cotton fabrics, simulating the fabrication of antiseptic wet wipes. The prepared emulsion and the wet cotton wipes were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, reaction kinetics, oil release, and agar diffusion test using fungus (Penicillium sp.) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The MaEO showed 100% stability after 30 days, with droplet sizes of ∼30 μm. The emulsion loading increased the activation energy to initiate the essential oil evaporation and cotton fibers' thermal decomposition. The oil release showed a complex profile with a slow-release, indicating oil droplets suitable attachment to the fabrics. The cotton wipes loaded with 10 mL Pickering emulsion reach inhibition against three bacterial strains and fungistatic properties, showing promisor potential as eco-friendly antiseptic wipes.

Keywords

• Melaleuca essential oil
• Nanocellulose
• Oil-in-water emulsion
• Cotton wipes functionalization
• Antimicrobial activity