Coaxial electrospun PVA-SAP functional nanofibers embedded with betel leaf extract for enhanced germicidal activity and breathability

• Published in: Industrial crops and products 2024-07, Vol.213, p.118428, Article 118428
• Main Authors: Ali, Ayub, Hossain, M. Firoz, Bhuiyan, M.A. Rahman, Mohebbullah, Md, Khan, Nour M. Mofiz Uddin, Wang, Lijing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agar; air; Antibacterial nano membrane; antibacterial properties; betel; Betel leaf extracts; Coaxial electrospinning; electron microscopy; filtration; Functional textiles; leaf extracts; leaves; nanofibers; nanosheets; permeability; phytochemicals; polyvinyl alcohol; super absorbent polymers; Superabsorbent polymer; tensile strength; vapors
• ISSN: 0926-6690; 1872-633X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.118428

This study investigates the formation of coaxial electrospun nanofibrous membrane with enhanced germicidal activity and breathability using superabsorbent polymer and polyvinyl alcohol integrated with betel leaf extract and its utilization for developing performance textiles. The functional nanofibrous membrane was fabricated through the coaxial electrospinning technique and characterized for the intended applications. The morphological investigation of the developed nano-membrane using scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of regular nanofibers with diameters ranging from 154 to 200 nm. The FTIR spectra suggested the existence of functional compounds in the nanofibers from their characteristic peaks. The presence of the bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of betel leaf was explored using phytochemical screening. The analysis of antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E.coli using the agar disc diffusion method showed an enhanced zone of inhibition with a maximum dimension of 27 mm and 24 mm against S. aureus and E.coli, respectively. The developed coaxial nanofibrous membranes also demonstrated acceptable particle barrier performance with greater than 95 % efficiency and a superior tensile strength of 99.5 N. Besides, the improved moisture management and air permeability of coaxial nano-membranes embedded with betel leaf extracts suggested an easy transfer of fluid and moisture vapor from the body to the environment via the membrane. Hence, the improved germicidal activity with acceptable particle filtration efficiency and enhanced breathability of the developed coaxial electrospun nano-membranes indicated their potentiality of utilizing them in designing performance textiles with simultaneous barrier performance and breathability for comfort. [Display omitted] •Coaxial electrospun PVA-SAP nanofiber with Betel leaf extract (BLE) were developed.•Developed nano mat was characterized for prospective applications.•Higher antimicrobial performance was observed with elevated concentration of BLE.•Enhance breathability was observed through the interaction with air and moisture.