Antibacterial Nonwoven with Propolis for Use in Surgical Masks

Abstract

Microorganisms that accumulate on the surfaces of protective mask surfaces increase the risk of the spread of infection. In the study, it is aimed to form antibacterial polypropylene (PP) nonwovens treated by propolis extracts for surgical masks. Propolis, which is biocompatible and known to be effective against many bacteria and other microorganisms, was preferred instead of metal compounds with toxic potential. In the study, two types of propolis extracts were used which were prepared in different solvent environment (50% ethyl alcohol - 50% pure water; 47% propylene glycol - 53% pure water). The amounts of phenolic compounds in the solutions obtained differently depending on the solvent and HPLC-DAD analysis of the extracts was performed. After the application of propolis extracts to PP nonwovens by immersion method, the change in their antibacterial activities were measured. According to the results, PP nonwovens with propolis show antibacterial activity against Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, it was observed that the samples that were washed after drying (at 120 °C) lost their antibacterial effect. It is thought that the reason for this situation is that the phenolic compounds in propolis extracts, which are not fully adhered to PP fibers and soluble in water, are removed from the surface by washing.