STUDY OF NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND

THEIR BEHAVIOUR ON FACE MASKS

REPORT OF
PROJECT WORK-II (TE-811)

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

TEXTILE ENGINEERING
JUNE, 2021

SUBMITTED BY
ADITYA CHAUHAN (17BT010705)
GAURAV SHARMA (1602632016)

PROJECT GUIDE
ER. PRIYA JASWAL
ER. PREETI GAUTAM

DEPARTMENT OF TEXTILE ENGINEERING,

JWAHARLAL NEHRU GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING
COLLGE, SUNDERNAGAR (H.P.) 175018
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Project making is an integral part of the HIMACHAL PRADESH TECHNICAL

UNIVERSITY engineering curriculum. We place on record and warmly acknowledge the
continuous encouragement, invaluable supervision, timely suggestions and inspired guidance
offered by our guide Er. PRIYA JASWAL & Er. PREETI GAUTAM, Department of
Textile Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engineering College, Sundernagar, in bringing
this report to a successful completion.

We are grateful to Er. PRAVEEN KUMAR, Head of the Department of Textile

Engineering, for permitting us to make use of the facilities available in the department to
carry out the project successfully. Last but not the least we express our sincere thanks to all of
our friends who have patiently extended all sorts of help for accomplishing this undertaking.

Without the help and guidance of these people we would not have been able to make this
project. Also, we have taken help for other resources as well, which also include internet.
 CERTIFICATE

We hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the B. Tech Projected entitled
“STUDY OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND BEHAVIOUR ON FACE MASKS “,
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the B. Tech in Textile Engineering
and submitted to the Department of Textile Engineering of Jawaharlal Nehru Govt.
Engineering College, Sundernagar, H.P., is an authentic record of our team work carried out
during a period from Jan, 2021 to Jun, 2021 under the supervision of Er. Priya Jaswal & Er.
Preeti Gautam Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering.

The matter presented in this project has not been submitted by us for the award of any other
degree elsewhere.

Candidate’s Name Candidate’s Signature

Aditya Chauhan (17BT010705)

Gaurav Sharma (1602632016)

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidates is correct to the best of
our knowledge.
Date:

Project Guide’s Signature

Er. Priya Jaswal

Er. Preeti Gautam
Department of Textile Engineering
Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engineering College,
Sundernagar

Signature of Head/OIC Signature of External Examiner

Er, Praveen Kumar
Department of Textile Engineering
Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engineering College
 ABSTRACT

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases in recent decades has posed a serious threat
to public health. Routes of transmission differ, but the respiratory droplet or airborne route
has the greatest potential to disrupt social intercourse, wearing face masks can reduce disease
transmission. However, excessive use of single-use polymer-based face masks will pose a
significant challenge to the environment. On the contrary, face masks with inherent
antimicrobial properties can help in real-time deactivation of microorganisms enabling
multiple-use and reduces secondary infections. Therefore, research on environment-friendly
antimicrobial agents (AMA) based on natural products is gaining worldwide interest.

In this study, several research papers have been reviewed consisting of antimicrobial
compounds, which are extracted from medicinal plants and found to be effective against
bacteria when applied on face mask or have potential of being applied. Study, also includes
different method of these AMA application and testing procedures.

Keywords--- face mask, natural antimicrobial agents, bacteria, Filtration, eucalyptus

leaves, mangosteen, Punica granatum Peel, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese herb) 

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Page 5 of 40
 CONTENT
1 Introduction………………………………………………….…………….….

8
2 Literature Review…………………….………………………….…………....10
2.1 What is face mask…………………………………………………………………........11
2.1.1. Types of mask……………………………...…………………………………….......12
2.2. Role of face mask in preventing the spread of infections diseases………...………….13
2.3. Mechanism of filtration.................………………………………………….…………14
2.4. what are microbes or microoganisms…………………………………….……………15
2.5 Antimicrobial treatment…………………………………………………........................16
2.6 Antimicrobial face mask…………………………………………………………….......17
2.7 Types of antimicrobials agents...................……………………………………………...18
2.8. Natural antimicrobials agents……………………………………………………...........20
2.8.1 Mangosteen pericarp......................…………………………………………………….22
2.8.2 Scutellaria baicalensis………………………………………………………………….23
2.8.3 Eucalyptus leaves extract..............…………………………………………………......24
2.8.4 Punica granatum peel extract………………………………………………..................25
2.9 mechanisms of action antimicrobials agents…………………………………………….26
3.Method of incorporation ………………………………………………………………….27
3.1Coating...........................................……………………………………….………............28
3.2 Microencapsulation..........................................………………………………………......29
3.3 Grafting......................……………………………………………………………………29
4.Efficiency test.......................................................................................................................30
5. Conclusion...........................................................................................................................33
6. References...........................................................................................................................35

Page 6 of 40
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 N95 MASK

Figure 2 CLOTH MASK.................................................................................................11
Figure 3 SURGICAL MASK
Figure 4 KNITTED MASK.............................................................................................11
Figure 5 MECHANISM OF FILTERATION.................................................................14
Figure 6 ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS..........................................................................18
Figure 7 MANGOSTEEN ..............................................................................................22
Figure 8 SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS....................................................................23
Figure 9 1,8-CINEOLE...................................................................................................24
Figure 10 PUNICA GRANATUM PEEL.........................................................................25
Figure 11 DIP COATING.................................................................................................28

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Page 8 of 40
INTRODUCTION
Fibres, both natural and man-made, have been widely used since the ancient past in the
manufacture of other materials. World fibre consumption has strongly increased over the
years, reaching a total demand of 94.9 million tons in 2015. In detail, 66.8 million tons were
man-made fibres, in addition to natural fibres with a demand of 28.1 million tons

Nowadays, besides the traditional clothing products, textiles find important applications also
in home furnishing, food packaging, as fibre reinforcements for polymers, optical fibres,
thermal and mechanical protection, sport equipment, fibrous materials for a large array of
applications in medicine and hygiene such as medical devices, health care and hygienic
coatings, air filters and water purification systems.

An important example of these functional fabrics, recently attracting the interest of the
research, is antimicrobial fabrics. Due to the morphology of fibres, in particular those of
natural origin, textiles are prone to microorganisms’ growth on their surface, due to the large
surface area and moisture affinity. Bacteria and fungi can be found everywhere, so the
contact with textiles is extremely probable. Depending on moisture, nutrients, temperature
and pH, their growth can be very fast: some bacteria can double every 20 min [1].

The use of antimicrobial compounds in textiles has grown dramatically over the last decades.
The potential application field is wide. It ranges from industrial textiles exposed to weather
such as awnings, screens and tents; upholstery used in large public areas such as hospitals,
hotels and stations; fabrics for transports; protective clothing and personal protective
equipment; bed sheets and blankets; textiles left wet between processing steps; intimate
apparel, underwear, socks and sportswear. Another large field of application is in filtration
and disinfection of air and water for white rooms, hospitals and operating theatres, food and
pharmaceutical industries, water depuration, drinkable water supplying and air-conditioning
systems. But now a days they are trending for implementation on face masks (prevents
airborne transmission of infections between persons by blocking the movement of pathogens
(primarily bacteria and viruses) shed in respiratory droplets and aerosols into and from the
wearer's mouth and nose), Further these antimicrobial compounds can be divided by their
source of origin i.e. into two types synthetic and natural compounds.[2]

This project is particularly focused on the study of natural antimicrobial agents which are
applied on face masks or have potential to be applied in future, to provide mask with
antimicrobial behaviour.

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 CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

Page 10 of 40
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 WHAT IS FACE MASK

Face Mask is porous filter media used for purifying aerosol impurities from air and to reduce
the potential contact of the wearer to airborne hazardous contaminants.

Respiratory masks (RM) are protective devices covering a part of the face. They are designed
to protect both the person who wears them and the immediate environment from breathable
pollutants (respiratory poisons or bacterial/viral pathogenic organisms). Different masks can
be classified as full masks (normed following EN 136) and half and quarter masks (EN 140)
(Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4). While a full mask covers the whole face, a half-mask fits from under the
chin to above the nose, a quarter mask fits from the top of the nose to the top of the chin. The
breathing resistance varies proportionally to the density of the mask material. [3]

F IGURE 1 F IGURE 2

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 F IGURE 3 F IGURE 4

2.1.1 TYPES OF MASK

CLOTH MASK
This type of mask is the simplest one which can be used during severe periods. During a
pandemic respiratory because of the scarcity or availability of filtering facepiece respirators,
some people may prefer to use cloth products for respiratory safety.

CLOTH MASK WITH FILTER

THE cloth mask with filter is made triple layer mask in which outer and inner layer is made
of simple fabric and middle layer is the filtration layer where mostly synthetic material is
used like polypropylene for reduction in penetration of small particles. cloth face mask is
holds at least 70% protection efficiency.

SURGICAL MASK
This type of mask is thin paper-like masks and are usually white and light blue. Surgical face
masks can filter out about 60% of smaller inhaled particles. They are primarily intended to

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stop droplets sprays and splatters and studies have shown that diligently wearing surgical
masks in public spaces can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory infection. Surgical
masks are not designed to be used more than once.

N95 MASK
These types are a type of FFR masks, are non-oil resistant, also known as electrets filters. The
word N95 is obtained from the fact that these types of masks can at least filter 95% of
aerosols around 0.3 μm. N95 face mask is more efficient than other masks. N95s protect the
person wearing the mask because they filter out particles from the air. perhaps any other
mask (cotton and disposable) is not intended to protect others around you from your own
respiratory droplets.[7]

2.2 ROLE OF FACE MASK IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

The spread of infectious diseases from person to person and the degree of transmission vary
based on the aetiology and mode of transmission. Usually, the degree of transmission is
estimated by a mathematical number know as reproduction number. It determines the number
of infections caused by a single infected individual. It combines factors such as duration of
infectiousness, the speed of contact to vulnerable individuals per unit time, and the
probability of transmission per contact.

The transmission ways are mainly classified into the following three:

(i) direct transmission – infected droplet/aerosol transmission.

(ii) airborne route – inhaling infected respiratory aerosols.
(iii) contact transmission through secretions on fomites or directly such as through
physical touch resulting in hand-to-mouth, hand-to-eye or hand-to-nose
transmission. [4]

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2.3 MECHANISMS OF FILTRATION

A face mask helps prevent airborne, droplet and aerosol transmission where the primary
control mechanism lies in reducing exposure. Face mask help in filtering out particles of
different sizes through various mechanisms:

i. Inertial impaction by which particles with more mass and inertia are diverted from the
streamline around the filter fiber.

ii. Interception by filter fibers of larger particles.

iii. Diffusion which results from the collision with air molecules or fibers resulting in
deviation from streamline on account of the Brownian movement of fine particles.

iv. Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged particles and filter media, without
any size distinction of particles.

Page 14 of 40
 F IGURE 5
(MECHANISM OF FILTERATION THROUGH MASK)

2.4 WHAT ARE MICROBES OR MICROORGANISMS

Microbes are the tiniest creatures not seen by the naked eye. They include a variety of
microorganisms like Bacteria, Fungi, Algae and viruses. Bacteria are uni-cellular organisms,
which grow very rapidly under warmth and moisture. Further, sub divisions in the bacteria
family are Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative (E-Coli), spore bearing or
non-spore bearing type. Some specific types of bacteria are pathogenic and cause cross
infection. Fungi, molds or mildew are complex organisms with slow growth rate.

They stain the fabric and deteriorate the performance properties of the fabrics. Fungi are
active at a pH level of 6.5. Algae are typical microorganisms, which are either fungal or
bacterial. Algae require continuous sources of water and sunlight to grow and develop darker
stains on the fabrics. Algae are active in the PH range of 7.0-8.0. Dust mites are eight legged
creatures and occupy the household textiles such as blankets bed linen, pillows, mattresses
and carpets. The dust mites feed on human skin cells and liberated waste products can cause
allergic reactions and respiratory disorders.[6]

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SOURCES OF MICROBES

i. In the air that we breath

ii. In the soil
iii. In our skin and bodies
iv. Everywhere

IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR MICROBIAL GROWTH

i. Food
ii. Warm temperature
iii. Moisture (Humidity, Spills)
iv. Receptive surface (skin, fabric)
v. Neutral pH value

2.5 ANTIMICROBIALS TREATMENT

Antimicrobial’s treatment, destroy or suppress the growth of microorganisms and their

negative effects of odour, staining and deterioration. Antimicrobials do not all work the same.
The vast majority of antimicrobials work by leaching or moving from the surface on which
they are applied. This is the mechanism used by leaching antimicrobials to poison a
microorganism. Such chemicals have been used for decades in agricultural applications with
mixed results. Besides affecting durability and useful life, leaching technologies have the
potential to cause a variety of other problems when used in garments. These include their
negative effects because, they can contact the skin and potentially affect the normal skin
bacteria, cross the skin barrier, and/or have the potential to cause rashes and other skin
irritations.

A more serious problem with leaching technologies has to do with their allowing for the
adaptation of microorganisms. An antimicrobial with a completely different mode of action
than the leaching technologies is a molecularly bonded unconventional technology. The

Page 16 of 40
bound unconventional antimicrobial technology, an organofunctional silane, has a mode of
action that relies on the technology remaining affixed to the substrate killing microorganisms
as they contact the surface to which it is applied. Effective levels of this technology do not
leach or diminish over time. When applied, the technology actually polymerizes with the
substrate making the surface antimicrobial. This type of antimicrobial technology is used in
textiles that are likely to have human contact or where durability is of value.[37]

Necessity of Antimicrobial finishes:

i. To avoid cross infection by pathogenic micro-organisms.

ii. To control the infestation by microbes.
iii. To arrest metabolism in microbes to reduce the formation of odour.
iv. To safeguard the textile products from staining, discolouration and quality
deterioration.[9]

2.6 ANTIMICROBIAL FACE MASKS

The use of a face mask as an RPD (Respiratory protective device) is instrumental in

preventing airborne, droplet, and aerosol transmission, where the primary control mechanism
lies in reducing exposure. However, there are serious concerns about the usage of
conventional disposable face masks. When infected individual coughs or sneezes, the
pathogen laden droplets can splash out and adheres to the immediate contact surfaces, and
remain viable for several days. Many studies have proven the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on
various material surfaces, including inner and outer layers of face masks for a period of 4 and
7 days, respectively. These contaminated face mask surfaces, in turn, becomes a source of
fomite transmission. Besides, the warm and humid conditions inside the face mask due to
breathing and saliva creates a favourable environment for the intercepted microorganisms to
grow and flourish. The moist conditions will induce a capillary action due to which the
intercepted microorganisms transfer further into the inner layers via suction, thus endangering
the health of the wearer. Eventually, these microorganisms will aggregate as an extracellular
polymeric matrix containing polysaccharides, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
resulting in the formation of biofilms. In these situations, an unexpected danger arises due to

Page 17 of 40
the re-aerosolization of the settled particles during intense sneezing or coughing by the
wearer.

Microbial survival and re-growth on conventional face masks after usage and improper
storage can also lead to secondary infections in humans. So, face masks are typically
discarded after a single-use to avoid the inoculation and spread of highly infectious
pathogens. This type of single-use and discard culture can lead to its massive shortage and the
generation of a large quantum of hazardous waste, especially during pandemic times. The
gap in supply and demand coupled with unaffordability, disposal challenges, and possible
adverse impact on the environment calls for reusable face masks.
Antimicrobial face masks look attractive over conventional face mask and can address
some of the concerns associated with single-use face masks by providing in situ real-time
antimicrobial protection. Several AMA are developed over the years and are available in
different forms, including films, coatings, beads, and NPs. The surfaces coated AMA are
reported to be effective in deactivating/killing microorganisms and preventing the formation
of biofilms.
2.7 TYPES OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

A variety of agents are available that may impart significant effect in textile fibres to inhibit
the growth of microorganism. The important types of antimicrobial agents can be classified
into broadly 3 types [fig.6]

Page 18 of 40
 Anti-microbial agents

Organic agents Inorganic agents Natural agents

Animal based

Plant based

FIGURE 6

Organic antimicrobial agents

Organic antimicrobial agents such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), N-
Halamines, Polyhexamethylene Biguanide; triclosan; silicon based quaternary agent;
iodohors, phenols and thiophenols, heterocyclics, inorganic salts, nitro compound, urea,
amines and formaldehyde derivatives, have been applied for antimicrobial treatment of
textiles. QACs have been tested for antimicrobial activity of protein base wool, cellulose base
cotton, synthetic base polyamides and polyester, the MIC value 10-100mg/l presented good
reproducibility and good washing durability. These formations kill the microbes by altering
cell membrane permeability, obstructing the synthesis of proteins of microbes, blocking
enzyme production necessary for microbes’ food. The N-halamine compound is used for the
development of antimicrobial cotton fabric through pad-drycure process followed by the
exposure to chlorine bleach. The chlorinated sample showed potential antimicrobial ability
against gram +ve and Gram –ve pathogens. It was experimented that on chlorinated after 15
days storage 85% of chlorine could be recharged that shows N-halamine compounds have
good biocidal efficiency for healthcare textiles. Another organic based antimicrobial agent,
Triclosan has been investigated for its antimicrobial ability for polyester, nylon, regenerated

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cellulose and acrylic fibres; with MIC value below than 10ppm versus bacteria against.
Triclosan has excellent durability after use/washing and it prevents microbial growth by
obstructing lipid biosynthesis. The most acceptable organic agent used for healthcare
procedures, pharmaceutical and food industry is Poly-hexamethylene biguinide (PHMB). It’s
efficient against both types of bacteria, in addition to yeasts and fungi. PHMB is slightly
toxic and fewer skin infection issues were reported. It used in variety of products including
undergarment and towel fabric to obstruct microbial growth and exhibited good washing
durability. PHMB is bacterio-static at 1-10mg/l but at elevated values its bactericidal activity
and inhibition rate raise collectively. The utmost antibacterial inhibition action of PHMB
obtained between 5-6pH value.

Inorganic Antimicrobial Agents

The inorganic finishing agents such as metal oxides, copper and zinc, titanium, magnesium,
silver and gold were applied for antimicrobial effects on textiles. These agents exhibited good
durability for cellulose, protein, regenerated and synthetic materials with MIC value 0.05-
0.1mg/l versus gram negative bacteria, E. coli. Sliver is wide acceptable inorganic
antimicrobial agent and kills microorganisms by blocking and disengages the intracellular
proteins. However, silver is a slight toxic agent, it releases slowly and can worn-out of the
fabric. Zeolites of chabazite-type with its optimal morphology and lowest silicon to
aluminium ratio (Si/Al)solution that replaced with different combinations of silver, copper,
and zinc ions to prepare single, binary, and ternary metal cation-modified zeolites were
experimented and silver based zeolites exhibited more antimicrobial activity than the others
and demonstrated good/suitable mechanical characters and excellent biocide effect against
food borne bacteria and fungi on green polyethylene developed based on injection-molded
composite. Further, the result confirmed its capability to rule the propagation of dangerous
pathogens in environment of food processing and storage. Thus, these innovative
antimicrobial materials are prospects for hygiene surfaces, kitchen accessories and packaging
applications. [32]

Limitations of inorganic and organic agents

In general, antibacterial property of any inorganic finishing agent is established with its
chemical components. The biocide efficiency of inorganic agents slowly drops in use and
during wash. The most of such agents carry limited intensity of microbes’ inhibition,

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moreover they are poisonous, initiate skin problem to humans and having problem to
decompose in down streaming. To reduce the risks allied with the application such inorganic
agents, there is enormous need of substitute agents for antimicrobial treatment of textiles. As
mentioned early, a wide range of organic antimicrobial agents are available for textiles
treatment but out of these agents; triclosan, quaternary ammonium compounds,
Polyhexamethylene Biguanide have been used on commercial scale. Polyhexamethylene
Biguanide is slightly contaminated with poisonous concerns and hard to decompose in down
streaming. In US Preregistration Eligibility Decision for PHMB by US Environment
Protection Agency” the discharge of effluents containing PHMB is not allowed without
mandatory treatment. [6,8]

2.8 NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT (PLANT AND FRUITS)

Recently, eco-friendliness has become very important for human beings and for those people
who want to live in a world of hygiene and freshness. The major hindrance that comes in
their way is coal-tar products, which are used in various operation of textile wet processing,
some of which are criticised for environmental pollution and health hazards. So it becomes
very important to replace those dyes and chemicals by more environmental friendly pr oducts
obtained from natural resources. At present, natural antimicrobial agent finished articles fall
in small niche markets fed by craft workers and small commercial firms, viz dyeing of fishing
net. But today's small niche market can become a larger market tomorrow as has been shown
for herbal teas and natural cosmetics. There has been little attempt to define and predict the
market for natural products which possess colouristic as well as antimicrobial properties.
[10,29,34]

Herbal antimicrobial agents which are commercially used on textiles:

 Clove

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  Aloe vera
 Neem extract
 Tree tree oil
 Azuki beans
 Silk sericin balm Prickly
 chaff flower
 Tulsi
 Cassia senna
 Tridax procumbens
 Onion extract
 Natural dyes (Pomegranate, Turmeric or curcumin, lawsone, henna, juglone, lapachol,
Quercus infectoria, etc.) [11]

In this project particular these herbal antimicrobial agents are covered:

i. Mangosteen

ii. Punica granatum Peel

iii. Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese herb) 

iv. Eucalyptus Leaves

2.8.1 MANGOSTEEN PERICARP (GARCINIA MANGOSTANA)

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Garcinia mangostana Linn. commonly known as " mangosteen", is a tropical evergreen tree
and is an emerging category of novel functional foods sometimes called "superfruits"
presumed to have a combination of appealing subjective characteristics, such as taste,
fragrance and visual qualities, nutrient richness, antioxidant strength and potential impact for
lowering risk of human diseases. Mangosteen is one of the most famous fruits in Thailand
and the pericarps of G. mangostana have been widely used as a traditional medicine for the
treatment of diarrhea, skin infection and chronic wounds in South East Asia for many years.
Extract from its pericarp has been demonstrated the antimicrobial activity against a wide
variety of microorganisms. Previous studies have shown that the extracts from various parts
contain varieties of secondary metabolites such as prenylated and oxygenated xanthones.
Xanthones or xanthen-9H-ones is a secondary metabolite found in some higher plant that
involves mangosteen. Xanthones could be isolated from peel, whole fruit, bark, and leaves of
mangosteen. Several studies have shown that obtained xanthones from mangosteen have
remarkable biological activities such as antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory,
antiallergy, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities.[12]

It was found that mangosteen extract exhibited moderate to excellent antibacterial effect
against all the pathogens at smaller concentrations like 5 µl, 10 µl and 15µl. This proves its
efficacy as a natural antibacterial agent in curing various diseases. Mangosteen extracts was
spray-coated on commercially available melt-blown PP layers to develop a three-layer
antimicrobial mask with improved hydrophilic character. BFE was conducted and was
reported to be 97.9 ± 0.2% for the face mask containing 5% (w/v) mangosteen extract. This
97.2% antimicrobial activity of the extract was retained even after 21 days of storage and did
not compromise the mechanical attributes of the filter. [13,14,15]

F IGURE 7

2.8.2 SCUTELLARIA BAICALENSIS (CHINESE HERB) 

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Baikal skullcap (scientific name Scutellaria baicalensis) is a plant. The root is used to
make medicine. Common substitutions for Baikal skullcap in Chinese medicine include
related plants whose scientific names are Scutellaria viscidula, Scutellaria amonea, and
Scutellaria ikoninikovii.[40]

According to recent study reports the development of a three-layer antibacterial face mask
consisting of a nonwoven PP outer layer, antibacterial filter layer and an inner medical
cotton yarn layer. Microcapsule made from the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis was
used as an antimicrobial agent in face mask. Antibacterial studies revealed that all filter
clothes exhibited >96% reduction against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Further,
nonwoven PP, cotton, and polyester exhibited BFE of 97.31, 95.44, and 91.7%. It is
reported that the antibacterial activity of Scutellaria baicalensis is due to the bioactive
components present like wogonin, baicalein, and baicalin. [16,17,18]

F IGURE 8

2.8.3 EUCALYPTUS LEAVES EXTRACT

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 Eucalyptus is tall evergreen tree that’s widely used for its medicinal properties. It
cultivated in almost all states and Union territories of India& Eucalyptus tereticornis &
Eucalyptus hybrid are the two most widely planted eucalypts in India

Benefits of Eucalyptus Leaves:

Relieves cold symptoms (anti-viral).

Kills bacteria and fungi (anti-microbial).

Lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease. [19]

Presence of 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol), Tannins and flavonoids in the extract. According to

the studies Eucalyptus leaves extract holds fairly good antimicrobial efficiency against
bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) when applied to cotton and wool. Washing efficiency for
wool was good but cotton holds poor washing fastness, further improving the laundering
durability, especially for cotton fabric, would be crucial for industrial development.
[20,21,28]

F IGURE 9

2.8.4 PUNICA GRANATUM PEEL EXTRACTS

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Pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extracts have been shown to possess significant
antioxidant activity in various in vitro models. Dried pomegranate peels were powdered and
extracted with methanol. Presence of polyphenolic group performs the antimicrobial activity.

Antioxidant-rich fractions were extracted from pomegranate (Punica granatum) peels and
seeds using ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The extracts were screened for their potential
as antioxidants using various in vitro models, such as β-carotene−linoleate and 1,1-diphenyl-
2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) model systems. The methanol extract of peels showed 83 and 81%
antioxidant activity at 50 ppm using the β-carotene-linoleate and DPPH model systems,
respectively. Similarly, the methanol extract of seeds showed 22.6 and 23.2% antioxidant
activity at 100 ppm using the β-carotene−linoleate and DPPH model systems, respectively.
As the methanol extract of pomegranate peel showed the highest antioxidant activity among
all of the extracts, it was selected for testing of its effect on lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl
radical scavenging activity, and human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. The
methanol extract showed 56, 58, and 93.7% inhibition using the thiobarbituric acid method,
hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and LDL oxidation, respectively, at 100 ppm. This is
the first report on the antioxidant properties of the extracts from pomegranate peel and seeds.
[25,26]

F IGURE 10

Page 26 of 40
2.9 MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS:

The action mechanism of natural agents has not been fully understood. Different
natural antimicrobial agents act in different way.

List of possible actions of the natural antimicrobial agents:

i. Presence of Membrane-disrupting compounds

ii. Direct pH reduction of the substrate

iii. Organic acids interfering with membrane

iv. Extract producing structural and functional damage to the bacterial cell
membrane.

Page 27 of 40
 CHAPTER 3
METHODS OF INCORPORATION

Page 28 of 40
METHOD FOR INCORPORATION

3.1 COATING

The formulation of a textile coating is complicated, and it can contain a wide range of
chemicals depending on the nature of the polymer, the additives for the specific end use
and the type of coating machinery used for its application.

i. Dip coating

Dip coating refers to the immersing of a substrate into a tank containing coating material,

removing the piece from the tank, and allowing it to drain. The coated piece can then be
dried by force-drying or baking. It is a popular way of creating thin film coated materials
along with the spin coating procedure.

F IGURE 11

ii. Spray Coating

Spray of particles or droplets to deposit a material onto a substrate is carried out

to get treated fabric. there is a problem associated with this method that resultant
washing fastness is poor.

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3.2 MICROENCAPSULATION

Microencapsulation is a process by which individual particles of an active agent can be

stored within a shell, surrounded or coated with a continuous film of polymeric material
to produce particles in the micrometre to millimetre range, for protection and/or later
release.

3.3 GRAFTING

Surface grafting of textiles is relatively recent technology that offers a variety of ways in
which to alter the surface of textile substrates and, thus, impart new or improved
functional properties. Through grafting extract is applied onto the fabric. [32,33]

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 CHAPTER 4
EFFICIENCY TESTS

Page 31 of 40
EFFICIENCY TESTS

METHODS FOR TESTING ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

The following are different test methods used for determining the effectiveness of
antimicrobial treatments on textile products:

AATCC 30 (2004): Antifungal activity, assessment on textile materials: mildew

and rot resistance of textile materials: 

The general purpose of this method is to determine the susceptibility of textile

materials to mildew and rot and to evaluate the efficacy of fungicides on textile
materials. Four tests were used:

Test I: Soil burial: This procedure is generally considered to be the most severe

test for textile products. Only those specimens that will come in direct contact with
soil, such as sandbags, tarpaulins, tents need to be tested by this procedure. The
length of exposure to the soil bed and percent retained breaking strength when
compared to the unexposed textile were then reported.

Test II: Agar plate, Chaetomium globosum: This procedure is used for evaluating

rot resistance of cellulose-containing textile materials that will not come in contact
with soil. It may also be used for determining uniformity of fungicide treatment.
The change in breaking strength as compared to the sample before exposure or the
control and the extent of fungal growth on the discs, using a microscope (50X) were
determined by visual assessment.[39]

Test III: Agar plate, Aspergillus niger : Certain fungi, including Aspergillus niger,

can grow on textile products without causing measurable breaking strength loss
within a laboratory experimental time frame. Nonetheless, their growth may
produce undesirable and unsightly effects. This procedure is used to evaluate textile
specimens where growth of these fungi is important. At the end of the incubation

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period, the percentage of surface area of the discs covered with the growth
of Aspergillus niger, using a microscope (50X) was then estimated.

Test IV: Humidity jar, mixed spore suspension: This test method is designed to
determine the fungistatic effectiveness of treatments intended to control mildew and
non-pathogenic fungal growth on articles or surfaces composed of textile materials
intended for outdoor and above ground use and which are usually waterproofed. A
record of the percent of surface area covered with fungal growth for each strip is
made at weekly intervals or until heavy growth occurs on each sample replicate,
using a microscope (50X).

AATCC 100 (2004): Assessment of antibacterial finishes on textile materials:

 Assessment of antibacterial finishes on textile materials is determined by the

degree of antibacterial activity intended in the use of such materials. If only
bacteriostatic activity (inhibition of multiplication) is intended, a qualitative
procedure which clearly demonstrates antibacterial activity as contrasted with lack
of such activity by an untreated specimen may be acceptable. However, if
bactericidal activity is intended or implied, quantitative evaluation is necessary and
it can provide a clearer picture for possible uses of such treated textile materials.

AATCC 147 (2004): Antibacterial activity assessment of textile materials

(Parallel streak method): 

The parallel streak method has filled the need for a relatively quick and easily
executed qualitative method to determine antibacterial activity of diffusable
antimicrobial agents on treated textile materials. AATCC Method 100, is a
quantitative procedure which is adequately sensitive but is cumbersome and time
consuming for routine quality control and screening tests. Therefore, when the
intent is to demonstrate bacteriostatic activity by the diffusion of the antibacterial
agent through agar, Method 147 fulfils this need. In the parallel streak method, the
agar surface is inoculated making it easier to distinguish between the test organism
and contaminant organisms which may be present on the unsterilized specimen. The
parallel streak method has proven effective over a number of years of use in
providing evidence of antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram-

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negative bacteria. The incubated plates for interruption of growth along the streaks
of inoculum beneath the specimen and for a clear zone of inhibition beyond its edge
was then measured. [22,23,24]

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION

Page 34 of 40
CONCLUSION

Due to increase awareness of health, hygienic lifestyles and negative impacts of chemically
treated masks, natural antibacterial agents are in demand. Having a mask with antimicrobial
activity which do not affect environment and can be used multiple times will be beneficial.
Natural herbs (eucalyptus leaves, mangosteen, Punica granatum Peel, Scutellaria baicalensis
(Chinese herb) which are studied are showing good resistance to microbes (E. coli and S.
aureus), Comparing with synthetic agents, natural agents are lagging in efficiency but still
with some agents more than 98% efficiency can be achieved.

Page 35 of 40
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