Encapsulation of helichrysum oil with inclusion complex and investigation of antibacterial activities in cotton fabrics

Purpose The aim of this study was to prepare antibacterial capsules and transfer them to cotton fabrics using the impregnation method. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, helichrysum oil was encapsulated by ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) using the kneading method at three different molar ratios. The products were then applied to 100% cotton fabric through the impregnation method. Findings Morphological assessment showed that the inclusion complex had smooth surfaces and spherical shapes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter analysis results confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex between ß-CD and the active agent at mole ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 for helichrysum oil. According to the analyses, it was determined that the highest complexing rate was between 9.72% and 1:2 in capsules containing ß-CD:helichrysum oil and the sizes of particles which is 1:2 are determined to be between 2 and 25 µm. The presence of capsules on the fabrics was determined after 5 washing cycles. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The antibacterial analysis results showed that the inclusion complex provided a reduction of over 96% against both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, and the fabrics exhibited antibacterial effects even after 5 washing cycles. The major constituents of the oil were decreased after 5 washes, but significant peaks were remained according to the gas chromatography analyses. These results indicate that helichrysum oil can be used for its antibacterial properties, and it has been observed that this activity continues up to 5 washes when transferred to the fabric in the form of an inclusion complex. Originality/value Although helichrysum oil is widely used in cosmetics, there is a lack of studies on its application in textiles. Therefore, this study investigated the potential use of helichrysum oil, which has a wide range of applications, in textiles for its antibacterial properties through molecular encapsulation. The use of naturally sourced substances such as helichrysum oil in the textile industry can offer an environmental and sustainable alternative. This study can be considered as a step toward the development of innovative and naturally sourced antibacterial products in the textile industry.