Chitosan Coating
“Chitin” is a natural polysaccharide and is the second most abundant natural biopolymer in the world, following cellulose. It is the main component of the cell walls of shrimps, crabs, and certain fungi, forming highly elastic fibers. Chitosan, which is produced by processing this chitin, is now attracting attention. Chitosan itself exhibits antimicrobial properties and, most importantly, as it is derived from natural components, it is used in various applications due to its non-polluting and harmless nature to humans. In the study introduced here, a fabric was created by coating it with chitosan plus plant-derived components, enhancing its antimicrobial properties. It is also highly biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly disposable fabric.
Characteristics of Fabric Coated with Chitosan + Plant-Derived Components
In the study, fabrics were coated with chitosan along with plant extracts and essential oils. As a result, the antimicrobial function was enhanced. The antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger were significantly improved. The most effective components were coatings that included aloe vera extracts and cinnamon essential oil. These are all familiar components derived from everyday plants.
The presence of antimicrobial activity does not imply a strong impact on the environment. When these fabrics were buried in soil for four weeks, they had decomposed significantly. While demonstrating antimicrobial properties, they have become excellent fibers with a low environmental load.
Incidentally, they also come with a pleasant plant-derived scent.
Anticipated Applications in the Medical Field
Applying chitosan coating to fabric is very simple. Just dissolve chitosan in a solution, add plant-derived components, immerse the fabric for 30 minutes, rinse, and then dry. This alone can create a fabric with high antimicrobial properties and low environmental impact. The medical field always demands cleanliness, and disposable antimicrobials are preferred. The coated fabric introduced in this study is cost-effective and exhibits sufficient antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for medical use. It is a low-cost fabric that can help control infections, and I hope it will become widely used.
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