PROBIOTICS APPLICATION FOR POTENTIAL FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to develop probiotic delivery systems intended for short-term application in feminine hygiene products. For this, freeze-dried and fresh probiotics (Lactobacillus paragasseri K7), encapsulated into hydroxy-β-cyclodextrins, with and without inulin used as a prebiotic, were at first electrospun onto inert polypropylene carrier fabrics, in order to establish the optimal spinning conditions and confirm the successful formation of fibers. The characteristics of the functionalized materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate the functionality of the probiotic delivery systems, in the subsequent stage of the research, the optimum electrospinning formulation was deposited, under the defined optimal conditions, on a different carrier material, namely, a cellulose-based cotton stripe, to get a preliminary demonstration of the suitability of the developed material for its intended application as a feminine hygiene product. For this, the antioxidant properties of the materials and the probiotic release were observed. Experimental results confirmed that the material (cellulose-based cotton stripe/deposited nanofiber) possessed antioxidant properties and released probiotics within 4 hours, being in agreement with the recommended use of such products. This preliminary research underscores the potential usability and applicability of the developed material for tampon use, considering its anti-inflammatory property and beneficial effects in maintaining healthy vaginal microbiota.