Immobilization of propolis extract on PET fabric for biomedical applications

Abstract

Propolis has biological activity due to its wide variety of phenolic compound content. Propolis usage in many areas such as cosmetics, food, medicine, and biomedicals is becoming widespread day by day due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties. In this study, phenolics extracted from propolis were covalently bonded and immobilized on the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with the aim of developing a technical textile for biomedical applications. To do so, PET fabric was aminated, and then the phenolics were immobilized using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE) as the crosslinking agent. Formation of amine groups in PET structure and immobilization of the phenolics were proved by ATR-FTIR spectrums. Water contact angle of PET being 121 degrees decreased to 110 degrees and 97 degrees after the amination and the immobilization, respectively. Optical microscope images were taken to monitor morphological changes after the processes. DSC results revealed a new endothermic peak at around 40 degrees C for modified PET. Tensile tests showed that tensile strength of the fabric weakens upon modification, while a healing effect occurs during immobilization. Antibacterial tests revealed that propolis extract immobilized fabric has an antibacterial activity against gram negative (E. coli) bacteria.