Chapter - 2

Review of Literature
The review of literature pertaining to the study “Development and Evaluation of
Nano Polyherbal finished Nonwoven Wound dressing” is given under following
headings

2.1. Technical textiles

2.1.1. Medical textiles

2.1.1.1. Classification of medical textiles

2.1.1.2. Properties of materials used in medical textiles

2.2. Wound dressing

2.2.1. Properties of wound dressing

2.2.2. Types of wound dressing

2.2.3. Drug incorporated wound dressing

2.2.4. Nonwovens in wound dressing

2.2.5. Bamboo spunlace nonwoven

2.3. Wound management

2.3.1. Wound healing

2.3.2. Potential wound pathogens

2.4. Finishes on fabric

2.4.1. Speciality finishes

2.4.2. Antimicrobial finish

2.5. Ayurvedic herbs

2.5.1. Importance of herbal medicine

2.5.2. Antimicrobial herbs

2.5.2.1. Aloe vera

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 2.5.2.2. Aerva lanata

2.5.2.3. Curcuma aromatica

2.5.2.4. Euphatorium odoratum

2.5.2.5. Tectona grandis

2.5.2.6. Tridax procumbens

2.5.3. Essential oil herbs

2.5.3.1. Eucalyptus globulus

2.5.3.2. Lavendula angustifolia

2.5.3.3. Rosmarinus officinalis

2.5.3.4. Melaleuca alternifolia

2.5.4. Phytoconstituents present in medicinal herbs

2.5.5. Role of phytocontituents in wound healing

2.6. Nanotechnology in textiles

2.6.1. Nanoencapsulation technique

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2.1 Technical textiles

Technical textiles are the textile resources and products used for their technical
performance and functional properties instead of aesthetic or decorative characteristics
(www.slideshare.net). The potential in India for technical textiles is massive. It is a
multidisciplinary field with extensive end use application (technotex.gov.in). It is a large
and growing sector that supports a vast array of other industries also (Himanshu, 2013).
The technical textile market has never been a single coherent textile industry and market
sector. It is segmented into, buildtech, clothtech, agrotech, hometech, indutech,
meditech, mobiletech, okeotech, packtech, geotech, protech and sporttech.

The current market opportunities and free quota system reveal that the
importance of technical textile materials is increasing to accommodate all requirements
around the globe (www.technologytextile.blogspot.in). The market size is projected to
reach INR 1, 58,540 crores by 2016-17 at an annual growth rate of 20% during the 12th
Five Year Plan. (www.technotexindia.in).

2.1.1 Medical textiles

Medical textiles which is also known as healthcare textiles, is one of the best
innovation in the technical textile sector. The combination of textile technology and
medical sciences has resulted in a new field called medical textiles (Nitin ajmera,
www.technicaltextile.net).

Medical textiles embrace all the textile materials used for healthcare and hygiene
application by both consumer and medical market. It is a vast area which a group of
products with considerable variations in accordance with product performance and unit
value. Because of the nature of their application, many medical textile products are
disposable items. Nonwovens in medical textiles sector account for a higher part overall
in terms of tons of fibre used. Also, the added feature of the medical textile market will be
the inclined growth of composite materials used in wound management products. Which
means the combination of textiles with films, foams and drugs to form composite
structures for the treatment of wound and healthcare products ( Shyam et. al., 2014).

2.1.1.1. Classification of Medical textiles

Medical textiles can be classified into four main catagories implantable, non
implantable, extra corporal devices & healthcare and hygiene products (czajka 2005).
Implantable materials are small devices made of either a polymer materials or textile
materials. Some polymer based implants are made up of silicon, polyurethane, poly tetra

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fluro ethylene–teflon (Geetha et al., 2009). Non implantable materials range from simple
gauze, bandages, wound dressings, wadding, and the absorbent layer. Extra corporal
devices are mechanical organs that are used to perform particular organ functions
outside the body that include artificial kidney, artificial liver and mechanical lungs. Health
care and hygiene is an important division of medical textiles. The product range in this
sector is vast and are typically used for externally that may or may not come in contact
with skin (http://www.slideshare. net/medical-textiles-48674105).

2.1.1.2 Properties of materials used in medical textiles

The products of medical textiles should possess various properties to find its
suitability in the market. Traditionally, natural fibres like cotton and silk were in use. Later
viscose and other regenerated fibres were in use. Presently advanced polymers are in
use. All fibres used, however, must possess these qualities of non-toxic, non-allergic,
non-carcinogenic and must be able to sterilize without any alteration in physical or
chemical properties (Alhayat and Omprakash 2014). It should be easily degradable but if
necessary it should be non-degradable. It should possess good absorbency, bio
receptive, compatible with the living system and durable. The product should exhibit
antimicrobial or antibacterial property depending on its purpose
(www.textilemerchandising.com/).

2.2. Wound dressing

A wound dressing material is a sterile pad used on a wound to promote healing

and to protect the wound from further harm. A wound dressing is designed to be in direct
contact with the wound, whereas a bandage is most often used to hold a dressing in
place (https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/dressing medical).

Starting from the very ancient times till present modern era, some of the other
suitable material had to be used to cover the wound in order to prevent any infection and
to achieve effective healing of a wound (Zahedi et al., 2010). During olden days, plant
fibres, animal fats and honey pastes were used as wound dressing materials to cover the
wound. Recently, with the availability of new polymers made from biosynthesis and new
fabrication technologies, the wound dressing material with best properties is obtained
which improve the healing and curing process of a wound.

2.2.1 Properties of wound dressing

An ideal wound dressing should promote rapid healing by maintaining a moist
environment, absorbing exudates without drying out the wound surface, protecting from

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microbial invasion, preventing infection, and allowing for gaseous exchange. It should
also be easy to apply, be adhesive enough to achieve adequate residence time, but easy
to remove without leading to discomfort or trauma, and not require frequent changes
(Seaman, 2002; Brett, 2006). The ideal wound dressing should not contain particulate
contaminants that may be left in the wound and lead to infection (Vermeulen et al.,
2005). A wound dressing having analgesic properties and ability to control odour is also
beneficial. Novel dressings are based on drug delivery systems for which the
biocompatibility is a major concern when designing the formulation of a drug carrier. A
wound dressing should not be toxic or allergenic (Jayakumar et al., 2011). No single
dressing fulfils all of the preferences mentioned above, and the choice of dressing
depends on the wound type and the state of the tissue, which can vary at different stages
of the healing process. The activity level and personal needs of the patient should also
be considered when choosing the most suitable dressing.

2.2.2 Types of wound dressing

In general wound dressings can be classified into traditional and modern. Cotton
wool, natural or synthetic bandages and gauze materials are referred as a traditional
wound dressing. While modern wound dressing includes foam dressing, alginate
dressing, hydrogels, hydrocolloids, semi-permeable adhesive film dressing, composites,
biological dressing, tissue engineered skin substitutes and interactive dressing
(http://woundeducators.com/). In other way wound dressings can be divided as primary
and secondary dressing, primary dressings are which comes in contact with the wound
surface, secondary dressings are those which cover the primary dressing, island
dressings are made with an absorbent layer in the centre surrounded by an adhesive
part (Boateng et al., 2008).

Gauzes have been widely used in wound care up through the history due to good
absorption and the fact that they are affordable and easily accessible. However, the
drying behaviour of gauzes can potentially lead to discomfort and trauma at removal
(Fonder et al., 2008). Films are thin adhesive and semi occlusive membranes that can be
used as both primary and secondary dressings. They manage moisture by vapour
transmission and are good barriers against foreign liquid and bacteria (Schultz et al.,
2003; Schultz et al., 2004; Fonder et al., 2008). Hydrocolloids are adhesive, occlusive
and absorbent dressings. They are recommended for wounds with low to moderate
amounts of exudates (Boateng et al., 2008; Fonder et al., 2008). Alginates are fibrous
dressings which form into gels upon contact with the moisture in wounds and are able to

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absorb high amounts of fluid, suitable for management of moderately and heavily
exudating wounds (Paul and Sharma, 2004). Foams are dressings which are semi
occlusive, and they can provide thermal insulation of the wound and protect it against
shear. Biological dressings are dressings containing biomaterials that support wound
healing. Examples of biomaterials used in wound dressings are collagen, elastin and
chitosan. Their biocompatibility and low toxicity make them suitable for wound care.
Hydrogels are semi permeable and have the ability to transmit vapour and water, provide
moisture to the wound, and obtain relief by their cooling effect (Fan et al., 2011).

2.2.3 Drug incorporated wound dressing

Wound dressings incorporated with active pharmaceutical ingredients are so-

called active dressings or medicated wound dressings that have been developed by
incorporating antimicrobials, growth factors, or supplements such as minerals and
vitamins into the system. Cleansing or debriding agents can be incorporated for the
purpose of removing necrotic tissue, and antimicrobials, growth factors and supplements
will act against infection and aid regeneration of tissue, respectively (Boateng et al.,
2008).Characteristics of wounds affecting the performance of wound dressing when
developing a treatment for damaged skin, it is crucial to take the changed properties of
the skin into account. Wounded skin no longer has normal anatomic structure and
function, and the penetration barrier is less efficient than in healthy and intact skin (
Korting and Schäfer-Korting, 2010).

A variety of dressings that contain and release antibiotic or other disinfectant

agents on the surface of the wound have been introduced to the market. Most of these
dressings have been designed to provide controlled release of silver ions through slow
but sustained release a mechanism which helps avoid toxicity yet ensures delivery of a
therapeutic dose of silver ions to the wound (Heggers et al., 2005).

Antimicrobial wound dressings may contain either antiseptics or antibiotics.

Antiseptics can be applied to kill or inhibit microorganisms and have the potential to
target multiple microbes. They have a broad antimicrobial spectrum, but do not have an
optimal safety profile as they are often toxic to the human skin tissue, including
fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Examples of antimicrobial wound dressings with antiseptics
are cadexomer iodine dressing, chlorhexidine gluconate foam, povidone iodine hydrogels
and silver dressings. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are generally nontoxic, but they often
act against a narrower spectrum of bacteria, and their effect may be reduced or even lost
due to development of bacterial resistance. Examples of topical antibiotics used for

15
wound management are bacitracin, fusidic acid, gentamicin and mupirocin (Lipsky and
Hoey, 2009).

2.2.4 Nonwoven in wound dressing

A nonwoven fabric is a typical fabric-like material which is made directly from long
fibres, bonded together by chemical, mechanical (needle punching or
hydroentanglement), thermal bonding or solvent treatment. The term is used in the textile
manufacturing industry to denote fabrics, such as felt, which is neither woven nor knitted
(Müller et al., 2015). Nonwoven is emerging segment in textiles which play a significant
role in the medical sector. The usage of the nonwoven is vast in medical textiles.
Nonwoven has got successful name for single use articles which require less sterilisation
and it is one of the reasons behind that nonwoven are risk-free from infections. They are
engineered fabric for limited life, they provide specific functions such as absorbency,
resilience, stretch, softness, strength, thermal insulation, filtration, acoustics insulation
and bacterial barrier (Gopalakrishnan and Aswin, Fibre to fabric). The cost of nonwoven
is comparatively cheaper than the commercial fabric. The single use nonwoven has
superficial qualities than other fabric (Karpagam and Manonmani, 2015).

The main feature of nonwoven is it is used for backings and as wound pads in a
wound dressing. The particular advantage offered by the material is they are easy to
process, permeable to air, non adherent to wounds and highly adherent to wounds and
highly absorbent properties. The medical products for wound care are based on
nonwoven material that are put in both post operative wound care and in treating minor
injuries (Sakthivel et al ., 2010).

Spunlace nonwoven has made itself to be fit in for wound dressing. It is a

process of entangling the web of loose fibres which is laid on a moving perforated belt
and stream of fine high pressure water jets which is arranged in multiple rows are made
to pass through the fibres to entangle and form a fabric (Mothilal and Ramakrishnan,
2015). From the last decades, spunlace nonwoven dressing is replacing the traditional
wound dressing because of its functional advantages, physical characteristics and cost
effectiveness (Chellamani et al., 2013).

2.2.5 Bamboo Spunlace nonwoven

Bamboo is a cellulosic and bio-degradable fibre extract from the natural bamboo
plant. It is synthetic viscose made from bamboo cellulose not made from stem and leaves
of the plant. It is famous for its naturally green properties and also because of fast

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growing and cultivated plant. Bamboo fibre is also manufactured by different methods
and processes like steaming and boiling etc. Bamboo fibre can be extracted naturally
from Bamboo Culms, and Bamboo viscose is produced by applying chemical processes
(COM4TH.com u.d.). Bamboo is grown in abundance and also a vigorous plant so it
should be harvested in a sustainable way in order to get its maximum ecological benefit
(Fletcher, 2008).

Bamboo as a natural product derived completely from plant cellulose, bamboo

fibre is completely biodegradable by microorganisms present in the soil and sunlight. An
extreme benefit of bamboo fabric to the environment is that there is no need to use
pesticides or fertilisers to grow bamboo. Bamboo owns a unique anti bacteria and
bacteriostatic bio-agent named "bamboo kun". This substance is combined with bamboo
cellulose during the process of being manufactured into bamboo fibre. Bamboo satisfies
the needs of the consumer with its inheritance advantageous properties like good
absorbency, air permeability, durability, comfort and anti-odour property (Sharma and
Goel., 2010).

The advantages of bamboo fabric are, it has a very soft feel, its antimicrobial
properties, its moisture absorption property and its anti-static nature. The only drawback
of manufacturing bamboo textiles is its production costs that are inherent in the textile
industry: energy, water and chemical requirements (Mwaikambo, 2006). The property of
bamboo materials are highly absorbent because of the fibre present in the structure is
made up of micro gaps that absorb moisture away from your skin. Some of its qualities
are extremely soft, hypoallergenic, and its non-irritant qualities make it a great choice for
skin contact.

Bandages are made of glass fibre in combination with bamboo. It is used in US

military after a lot of research. The advantage of this bandage is that the glass filament
helps initially in coagulation of blood and bamboo gives wicking properties. Combination
of both plays very effective role, it is not a typical bandage the glass fibre helps to clot the
blood and bamboo help to bring the blood to the surface because of its wicking property.
Because of this appreciating property bamboo fibres are used extensively in producing
medical gowns, bandages, surgical pads and also in other equipment (Viscose from
Bamboo Fabric Trends 2010).

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2.3. Wound management

Wound management starts with wound assessment. Wound assessment

methods were an important part of the development of active wound management.
Standardised methods were developed that allowed wound care clinicians to monitor the
status of the wound and by implication the effect of an intervention. Wound assessment
methods, including scales, were developed for pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and
diabetic foot ulcers, and much work has gone into assessing their validity and reliability
(Schultz et al., 2004).

From very ancient times to present modern era, some suitable material had to be
used to cover the wound in order to prevent any infection and to achieve effective healing
of a wound (Zahedi et al., 2010). Historically, plant fibres, animal fats and honey pastes
were used as dressing materials for the wound.

A wound is defined as a defect or break in the skin, resulting from physical or

thermal damage or as a result of the presence of an underlying medical or physical
condition. Based on nature and repair process of wounds, they can be classified as
chronic wounds and acute wounds. Acute wounds are generally notified to tissue injuries
that can heal within 8-12 weeks. The primary causes of acute wounds are mechanical
injuries caused in the skin by any hard surfaces, burns or chemical injuries. (Boateng et
al., 2008).

Skin injuries represent an important medical problem. Every year several millions
of people are affected and in need of proper treatment in order to avoid morbidity,
disability and resulting in impaired life quality, costing the health system a prominent
amount of resources (Fan et al., 2011). Skin lesions that require care include both acute
and chronic wounds. Acute wounds include mechanical injuries resulting from external
factors such as trauma and surgical treatment, and skin damages caused by a burn or
chemical exposure (Schultz et al., 2003; Li et al., 2007). The most common causes of
chronic wounds are diabetic, arterial, venous, and pressure ulcers (Fan et al., 2011).

2.3.1. Wound healing

The wound is an injury, that takes place within the skin or any other external
surface is torn, pierced, cut or broken with disruption of usual continuity of structures.
Wounds are the ineluctable events of life. They may be caused by physical, chemical,
thermal, microbial or immunological insult to the tissue (Raina et al., 2008). They result in
the loss of epithelium cells with or without the loss of underlying connective tissue.

18
Wounds represent a significant burden on the patients and healthcare professionals
worldwide. They not only affect physical and psychological health of the people but also
impose a vital price on them. According to current estimation, a report indicates that
nearly 6 million people suffer from chronic wounds worldwide (Kumar et al., 2007).
Unhealed wounds exhibit inflammatory mediators that produce pain and swelling at the
wound site. Healing is a mechanism that represents an attempt to maintain normal
anatomical structure and function.

Wound healing is a compound process in which it undergoes four phases

haemostasis, inflammatory, proliferation and remodelling. All the phases are regulated by
cytokines and growth factor substance released by cells in the wounded area. The
phases are overlapping and linear for acute wounds; whereas the chronic wounds can be
found at different stages of the healing process and do not heal in an orderly manner (Li
et al., 2007).

Haemostasis occurs within a few minutes after a tissue is injured. The disruption
of blood vessels and the resulting leakage of blood into the wound are followed by
platelet activation and aggregation. This will then lead to the formation of a fibrin clot
which causes the bleeding to stop and plugs the defect and seals off the exposed tissue.
Drying of the clot forms a scab that provides a temporary protection to the damaged skin
in addition to serving as a provisional matrix for cell migration and as a source for
cytokines and growth factors (Li et al., 2007; Heng, 2011; Korting et al., 2011).

The inflammatory reaction takes place soon after haemostasis and can last for
more than 72 hours. This phase consists of attraction of neutrophils and monocytes from
the circulating blood to the wounded area leading to cleansing and elimination of germs
and debris. The infiltration of immune cells is a result from chemotactic signals from
growth factors, epitopes of invading microorganisms, and byproducts of proteolysis of
fibrin and other matrix components (Shaw and Martin, 2009; Heng, 2011; Korting et al.,
2011). The proliferative phase of the wounded skin starts 4-5 days after injury and lasts
for about 2- 3 days. It consists of reepithelization and wound contraction.

Reepithelization involves migration of keratinocytes into the wound, proliferation

of keratinocytes, and regeneration of the basal cells that connects the epidermis and the
dermis, and reconstitution of the dermis. The latter is carried out by the formation of new
blood vessels, fibroblast proliferation and formation of the extracellular matrix such as
collagen. Wound contraction is achieved by the differentiation 9 of fibroblasts to

19
myofibroblasts which have the ability to extend and retract, and the attachment of
fibroblasts to collagen leading to the foundation of a scar tissue (Boateng et al., 2008;
Heng, 2011; Korting et al., 2011).

Remodelling phase of wound healing is intermediate between the formation of

new cellular connective tissue and its degradation by proteases. This stage, which may
continue for months, is characterized by modification of the structural integrity of the
tissue with the aim of restoring normal architecture of the skin. Depending on the
regulation of this maturation process the final result may either be a scar that is
indistinguishable from the healthy skin, which is the goal, or scar tissue that elevates
above the surrounding unwounded skin, indicating a deficient regulation of the process
(Li et al., 2007; Shaw and Martin, 2009; Heng, 2011).

2.3.2. Potential wound pathogens

Life on earth could not exist without bacteria as they make possible many of the
essential functions to the ecosystem and to humans. The majority of microorganisms are
less than 0.1 mm in diameter and can therefore they can be seen only under a
microscope. They can be classified into different groups such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa
and virus (Cooper et al., 2003). These pathogens cause various ill effects to human both
internally and externally. Bacteria and fungi are the two main organisms that are
responsible for infections caused outside the human body especially in wound and skin
infections. Wound site generally represents the presence of one or more species of
pathogens. Infections caused by them disturb the immune system and cause
inflammation and damage the cells.

At the wound site bacterial infections are common and they produce very chronic
effects if not treated properly (Purohit and Solanki, 2013). Majority of the wounds are
polymicrobial which includes aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and in particular the most
frequently cited bacteria in wound site are S. aureus, E.coli, P. aeruginosa and
Streptococcus (Bowler et al., 2001). Fungi are composed of more complex cells than
bacteria. They may be either single celled yeasts or multicellular fungi. They can cause
superficial infection on the skin, although they have been isolated from the wound, in
general fungi are rarely pathogenic in wound setting (Collier, 2004).

2.4. Finishes on fabric

Finishing is the common term for a process and treatments which a fabric may
undergo after production and its main function is to make the fabric suitable for its

20
purpose, (http:// mytextilenotes. blogspot.in/2007/10/textile-finishing.html). Textile
finishing includes all the treatments that are applied to the gray fabric like scouring,
bleaching, dyeing, coating or printing. It is the final step of chemical processing which is
carried out to improve the aesthetic feel of the product (Kanoongo and Kabra, 2015).
Technological advancements and its resulting Innovations represent the best strategy for
success in the competitive textile industry. The fabric production rate is tremendous and
the market has limited its scope which can be multiplied by value added finishing to
textiles (Priyanka, www.fibre2fashion.com)

2.4.1. Speciality finishes

Special finishes are introduced to the textile materials to perform a specific

function for which it is applied. Few of the most commonly used speciality finishes include
antimicrobial, fragrance, UV resistant, flame retardant, wrinkle resistance, soil release,
water repellent and many others. Special functional finishes represent the next
generation of the finishing industry. Multifunctional finishing can be achieved through
current finishing technology, (Menezes and Choudhari, 2007). Apparels can also be
finished having added values and specific end uses, (Kumar and Teli, 2007). These
finishes on textiles and clothing provide the expected traditional properties, e.g.
appearance, social identification, protection against cold, easy care, as well as some new
properties and functions of thermo-conductivity, UV protection, avoidance of unpleasant
odour, antibacterial and antifungal protection, (Coman et al., 2010). The new
developments in this part of textile finishing sector are mainly driven by consumers who
keep changing lifestyle towards a more casual clothing look, with a greater performance
for higher standards of aesthetics, comfort, health, and safety, protection and easy care
performance, (Mendapara and Karolia, 2005). These finishes can be imparted on the
textile materials by pad-dry-cure method, dip and dry method, spray method, coating
method, exhaust method and foam techniques (Parthiban et al., 2011).

2.4.2 Antimicrobial finish

The application of antimicrobial agents on textiles dates back very long which can
be said by the evidence showed that Egyptians used spices and herbs and applied on
the fabric to preserve mummies ( Rattanawaleedirojn et al ., 2008). The inbuilt properties
of textile materials provide the right condition for the microbial growth. Microbes such as
bacteria, virus, fungi and yeast are present almost everywhere. Whereas human beings
have an immune system to protect against accumulation of microorganisms, materials
such as textiles can easily be colonized by a high number of microbes or even

21
decomposed by them, (Dorugade and Bhagyashri, 2010). Anti-microbial finish helps the
fabric to inhibit the growth of the microorganism. It is necessary for textile materials to
avoid cross infection by a pathogenic microorganism, to control the infection of microbes
to the wearer, to stop the metabolism of microbes thereby the odour is avoided and the
important one is to safeguard the textile product from staining, deterioration and
discolouration (Ramachandran et al., 2004).

With intend to protect the skin and the degradation of the textile substrate itself,
an anti-microbial finish is applied to textile materials. The application of these
antimicrobial agents on textile materials increase the life of the fabric because, the
finished material on the fabric does not allow the microorganism to proliferate and also
they can control all the other effects caused by them (Madhura.P.Nerurkar, 2015). The
antimicrobial finish can be applied to wide range of textile products like medical,
industrial, home furnishing and apparels (Thilagavathi et al., 2005). There are two types
of antimicrobials present in the market, Leaching type like Controlled release and non-
leaching type like Bound antimicrobials, (Patel and Desai, 2014). Among various
functional abilities, the antimicrobial property is considered to be important with fabrics,
which are in direct contact with human body, (Sathianarayanan, et al., 2010). At the initial
stage synthetic substances were widely use to impart the property, but as they were
started using intensively there was a lot of drawbacks and relatively people started
seeking for the natural ones. Recently there is lots of attraction towards natural based
herbs as an antimicrobial agent because of their eco-friendly and health hazardless
nature, (Vijayalakshmi and Ramachandran, 2012). The antimicrobials of plant origin are
effective in avoiding infections while simultaneously eliminating the side effects of the
synthetic ones (Joshi et al., 2009).The textile industry continues to look forward for an
eco-friendly process that can be carried out without toxic chemicals. In this viewpoint,
herbal extracts are excellent participants in the eco-friendly textile industry (Gotmare and
Kole, 2016).

2.5. Ayurvedic herbs

India has a culture enriched with loads of medicinal herbs and spices, which
includes more than 2000 species and the geographical area is vast with high potential
abilities for Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha traditional medicines. Apparently, only very few
have been studied in depth regarding chemically and pharmacologically for their potential
medicinal value (Gupta et al., 2005; Sandhu and Heinrich, 2005).

22
 The use of medicinal plants by humans for the treatment of diverse ailments
prevails for thousands of years. According to the World Health Organization, a large
number of populations still rely on traditional medicines for their everyday psychological
and physical health requirements. It is evident that rural areas in many developing
countries still rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs and it has
already found a place in day-to-day life. When compared to synthetic medicines, these
medicines are relatively safer and cheaper than modern medicine (Idu et al., 2007; Mann
et al., 2008). People living in rural areas learn from their personal experience about the
values of these traditional remedies which is safer and a valuable source of natural
products to maintain good health, without knowing the science behind these curative
herbs, but they knew that some medicinal plants are highly effective only when used at
therapeutic doses (Wyk et al., 2000).

There is a great demand prevailing for herbal medicines in both developed and
developing countries as it is a source of primary health care owing to their attributes
having wide biological and medicinal activities, highly safer and costs less. The chemical
components which exist either in a combined form or in a pooled form of more than one
molecule in the plant cell protoplasm act as a safer drug to overcome the resistance
produced by the pathogens (Lai and Roy, 2004; Tapsell et al., 2006). Even with the
advent of advanced allopathic medicine. It is important to recognize the traditional use of
medicine is a way to learn about potential future medicines. Many scientists have stated
that a number of compounds used in advance medicine was derived from "ethno
medical" plant sources (Fabricant and Farnsworth, 2001). These plants are used for its
medicinal property in different countries across the globe and are a source of many
potent and powerful drugs (Mahesh and Sathish, 2008).

2.5.1. Importance of herbal medicine

The need of research in the field of herbal medicines is huge, but it is balanced by
the potential health benefits and the enormous market size. More research in terms of
quality, safety, molecular effects, and clinical efficacy of the medicinal herbs in common
usage is much expected. Advanced scientific techniques and unique approaches,
provide the strong testing platform for this. Extended testing like genomic testing and
chemical fingerprinting techniques are breakthrough platforms that are now available for
authentication and quality control of herbal products. The authentication is regulated to
safeguard consumers, but the efficacy of the product will remain a question until and
unless adequate scientific evidence is produced through extended experiments and

23
controlled human trials (Giordano, Engebretson, and Garcia 2005; Evans 2008; Tilburt
and Kaptchuk 2008). Affirmation for the efficacy of the selected herbs is generally based
on experimental trials demonstrating a biological activity studied in a similar in vitro
bioassay or experiments using animal models.

In some cases, these research are supported by both epidemiological studies

and limited experiments in humans (WHO 2001). Research is also needed to meet the
challenges in identifying the active compounds present in the plants, and their use either
as a whole herb or the extracted compound, should be evidenced with intense research
to show better results. As polypharmacy and polyherbacy are arising, more research is
implemented on herb–herb and herb-drug interactions as it has become an important
part of herbal medicine that requires increased awareness and indepth study. (Canter
and Emst 2004; Qato et al., 2008; Loya, Gonzalez-Stuart, and Rivera 2009; Cohen and
Emst 2010). Advancement in rapid genetic sequencing, which is coupled with
manipulation of biosynthetic pathways, may pave the way for the future discovery of
extended pharmaceutical agents (Li and Vederas 2009).

2.5.2. Antimicrobial herbs

2.5.2.1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is frequently noted as herbal medicine right from the beginning of the
first century AD. Aloe vera is a widely used ingredient in the cosmetics and alternative
medicine industries, being marketed as having rejuvenating, healing, or soothing
properties. But the prevailing scientific evidence on the safe use of Aloe vera extracts and
its effectiveness for being used in cosmetic or medicinal purposes is seen very little, or
the positive evidence that is available is frequently contradicted by other studies
(Boudreau and Beland, 2006).

Aloe vera is a very short-stemmed succulent plant that grows to 60–100 cm (24–
39 in) tall, spreading its offsets. The leaves are thick and very fleshy, green to grey-
green, some varieties show white flecks on their upper and lower surfaces. The margin of
the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth like structures. The flowers are seen only in
summer season on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a
yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. Similar to other species of aloe, Aloe
vera also forms an arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that makes plant to have better
absorption of mineral nutrients from the soil (Surjushe, et al., 2008).

24
 Aloe vera leaves contain many phytochemicals for possible bioactivity,
such as acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones,
other anthraquinones, such as emodin, and various lectins .in traditional use aloe vera is
used in as a multipurpose skin treatment. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is called kathalai,
which came from agave (Quattrocchi et al., 2012). Ancient records on Aloe vera use
appear in the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BC (Barcroft et al., 2003), and other
evidence in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and Pliny the Elder's Natural History - both
written in the mid-first century AD. It is also written off in the Juliana Anicia Codex of 512
AD (Reynolds et al., 2004). The plant is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of
many countries.

2.5.2.2 Aerva lanata

Aerva lanata is a woody, prostrate, perennial herb which belongs to

Amaranthaceae family commonly known as mountain knotgrass which is of the
genus Aerva. Its native lies to Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plant flowers in the first
month of the year (Aluka et al., 2008). The leaves are simple and arranged alternate with
short-petioled, densely tomentose, smaller in flowering branches. The flowers are very
small, sessile, greenish or hairy white, bisexual and often clustered (Rajesh 2010). It is a
weed that grows wild and commonly seen everywhere in the plains of India. The root of
the plant has a camphor-like aroma. The dried flowers look like soft spikes and they are
commercially sold as Buikallan or Boor. It is also one of the plants included
in Dasapushpam, which is the ten sacred flowers of Kerala (Nagaratna, et al., 2015).

The whole plant is edible, especially the leaves, is edible. The leaves are added
into soup or cooked and eaten as similar to spinach or as a vegetable. It is a grazing for
stock, game and chickens. Traditionally the plant is used to treat snakebites. In Indian
culture, the plant is used as a talisman against evil spirits, also as a good-luck talisman
for hunters, and for widows, it is used as a talisman for the well-being. Kumar et al.,
2013 states that in vitro antioxidant activity was observed in the aqueous extract of A.
lanata.

The best known Medicinal use of this herb is the remedy of bladder and kidney
stones. Many ayurvedic practitioners prescribe a limited dosage of decoction of the plant
to be taken few days internally to dissolves the kidney stone and to clear the urinary tract
infections. The plant possesses analgesic, anthelmintic, anti inflammatory, anti malarial,

25
anti venin, diuretic and sedative property. It has also exhibited immunomodulatory activity
and excellent wound healing property (Vignesh 2012).

2.5.2.3. Curcuma aromatica

Curcuma aromatica Salisb belongs to Zingiberaceae family. It is commonly known

as wild turmeric (vana haridra) or yellow zedoary. It is a species that stands second
among the widely used curcumin species next to common turmeric (Curcuma longa
Linn.). The plant is wild and grows throughout India but mainly it is cultivated in Kerala
and West Bengal (Shamim et al., 2011). Traditionally it has been used as an aromatic
medicinal cosmetic and is also used as a promising drug for therapeutic purpose.
Curcuma aromatica is a common Chinese herb that is used widely in china for treating
diseases with blood stasis and it has also been regarded as a potent anticancer herb. It
is believed to prevent and cure cancer in Chinese medicine. The homegrown medicine is
used for external applications for skin diseases, sprain, and bruise and also to enhance
complexion. Compared to the common Curcuma it has a higher level of volatile content.
The chemical composition and aroma characteristics of the volatile substance of the two
species are also different. Both the species can be easily differentiated with thin layer
chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC) this is due to the presence of the
components namely camphene and camphor and also alcohol is seen in the volatile oil of
curcuma aromatica which are absent in C. longa (Pant et al., 2013).

Wild turmeric is recognized as a medical herb which posses strong antibiotic

properties. In an effort to remove tumour cell accumulations, curcuma is often used.
Sometimes rhizomes are used in combination with astringents for bruises, sprain,
hiccough, bronchitis, leucoderma and skin eruptions. It is also used to break snake
poison. The paste of CA rhizomes is commonly used as a domestic remedy for headache
(Revathy et al., 2013). A study conducted by Kumar et al., (2009) showed significant
wound healing activity in excision wound models.

2.5.2.4. Euphatorium odoratum

Euphatorium odoratum also commonly called as bitterbush, butterfly weed and

siam weed. The botanical name of eupatorium is Chromolaena odorata which are native
to North America, from Florida and Texas to Mexico and the Caribbean. It has been
introduced to tropical Asia, West Africa, and other parts of Australia (http://
findmeacure.com). The plant grows up to 10 m (33 feet) tall. The leaves are arranged in
opposite direction, it is triangular to elliptical with serrated edges. Leaves are 4–10 cm
long by 1–5 cm wide (up to 4 x 2 inches). It is used as a traditional medicine

26
in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and other parts of Africa including Nigeria. The young
leaves are crushed, and the extract is used to treat skin wounds (http://www.inaturalist).
In ayurvedic medicine, the leaves are generally used to treat haemorrhage and
diarrhoea. It is also recommended to cure jaundice and ulcers (Kurade et al., 2009).

2.5.2.5. Tectona grandis

Tectona is a genus of tropical hardwood trees in the family, Lamiaceae. There are
three species of tectona, often collectively called teak. They are native to south and
southeast Asia, mainly India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Indonesia and Thailand.
they are found as an important component of monsoon forest vegetation. The tree is
decedious in the dry season and generally grows up to 30 – 40 m tall. The branches in
the true lets 4 angled, density clothed with yellowish grey tomentum. The leaves are
arranged opposite, elliptic or obovate. The size of the leaf ranges 30 -50 cm x 15 – 20 cm
(purushotham 2010).

Teak is a major exotic species found in the tropical region. The value of its timber is
known for decades (Mahesh and Jayakumaran 2010). The most commercial teak wood
products are produced in this species economically. According to ayurveda, the wood of
this tree is acrid, provides a cooling effect, and acts as a laxative and sedative to gravid
uterus. It is also useful in the treatment of piles, leucoderma and dysentery. Flowers of
this tree are acrid, bitter and dry but useful treating bronchitis, biliousness, urinary
discharges etc. Roots are especially used in the treatment of urinary tract system related
troubles (Nidavani, 2013). According to the Unani system of medicine, the oil extracted
from the flower is used as hair promoter and useful in scabies and the extracts of Wood
is good for a headache, biliousness, burning sensation, pain reliever and liver-related
troubles. It regulates thirst and also possesses anthelmintic and expectorant properties
(Varma and Jaybhaye, 2010).

Tectona grandis has acted as a potential antibacterial agent against various pathogens.
The leaf extract showed good results against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria.
The leaf extract of this tree showed a significant reduction in the period of
epithelialisation and wound contraction in the excision wound model (Khera 2013).

2.5.2.6. Tridax procumbens

Tridax procumbens, known commonly as coat buttons or tridax daisy, is a species

of flowering plant which belongs to the daisy family. The plant bears daisy like flowers
coloured yellow in the centre and white or yellow coloured three-toothed ray florets. The

27
leaves generally arrowhead-shaped and toothed. The fruit of this plant is
hard achene covered with stiff hairs. It is a common weed that can be seen normally in
fields, meadows, croplands, disturbed areas, lawns, and roadsides areas where tropical
or semi-tropical climate prevail (Ankita and Jain, 2012).

Tridax procumbens is well known for its therapeutic properties like antiviral,
antioxidant, antibiotic efficacies, wound healing, insecticidal and anti-
inflammatory activity. There are reports from tribal areas in India state that the juice of the
leaf of this plant can be used to cure fresh wounds to stop bleeding and also as a hair
tonic. Despite these known benefits, this weed plant is listed as a noxious weed in the
United States under the Federal Noxious Weed Act. A study by Leon (2014) revealed
that when Tridax procumbens and Allium sativum extracts are combined it aids as a
promising natural healer for cutaneous leishmaniasis and the healing effects have made
it a good alternative for a new possible phytomedicine. The ethanolic extract of the whole
plant of tridax showed a significant effect of anti-arthritic, antidiabetic and anti-
hyperlipidemic reaction in rats (Petchi, et al., 2013).

In India, Tridax procumbens has been used for wound healing traditionally, it is an
anticoagulant, antifungal and insect repellent. The curing property of this plant is well-
known for liver disorders or hepato-protective nature and heartburn (Wani et al., 2010).
The properties of Tridax procumbens against human prostate epithelial cancer cell line
PC 3 was studied by Priya et al., (2011).

2.5.3 Essential oil herbs

Essential oils are the complex mixtures of compounds with low molecular weight
extracted from plants. They are prescribed for a variety of ailments for which these acts
as antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic and antiviral (Raut and Karuppayil,
2014).

2.5.3.1 Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus is an evergreen tree belonging to Myrtaceae family which

grows typically from 30 – 50 cm in height. These trees are native to Australia. The
eucalyptus trees are shrouded in smog like a mist of vaporised volatile organic
compounds during warm days. Eucalyptus trees have got allelopathic effects as they
discharge some organic compound which inhibits the growth of other plant species
nearby. That is why generally no other plants will be seen in the eucalyptus forest. When
considering the medicinal properties of eucalyptus it is well known for curing the

28
respiratory problems. In folk medicine, it is used in the treatment of various medical
conditions like cold, flu, fever and bronchial infections (Silva et al., 2003). In addition, the
plant act as an insect repellent, relieves sore throat, reduces fever and flu, increase brain
function, promotes dental health, cures joint pain and relieves stress and mental
disorders.

Eucalyptus has also got the cleansing property. In recent years it is extensively
used in textile finishing as it has shown skin-friendly properties in many studies, it is used
as an antimicrobial and anti-allergic textiles finishes (Joshi et al., 2009). A study carried
by Suganya et al., (2014) discuss that eucalyptus acted as a non irritant and non toxic
substance and aided wound to heal faster when studied on Wistar rats. When it is
administered intradermally it increases capillary permeability and promotes wound
healing (Soni et al., 2012).

2.5.3.2 Lavandula angustifolia

The genus includes annual or short-lived subshrubs or small shrubs. Leaf shape
is diverse across the genus. They are simple in some commonly cultivated species; in
others they are pinnately toothed, or pinnate, sometimes multiple pinnate and dissected.
In most species, the leaves are covered in fine hairs or indumentum, which normally
contain the essential oils (Upson et al., 2004). Flowers are arranged in whorls and held
on spikes rising above the foliage; in some species, the spikes are branched. Some
species produce colour bracts at the apices. The flowers of the plant may be blue, violet
or lilac that grows in the wild species, rarely blackish purple or yellowish. The calyx is
tubular. The corolla of the flower is tubular and usually with five lobes, the upper lip often
cleft, and the lower lip has two clefts (Jullien, et al., 2014).

The medical Use dates back during World War I. it is used extensively in
combination with herbs such as chamomile in aromatherapy. Infusions form the plant
soothes insect bites, burns, and headaches. In recent days lavender is finished in pillows
to aid sleep and relaxation. Lavender extracts are used to treat skin burns and it also
acts as an anti-inflammatory. A research published in 2010 revealed about
the anxiolytic effects and its influence on sleep quality. Lavender showed meaningful
efficacy in alleviating anxiety and sleep-related disturbances (Kasper et al., 2012).

Lavender also has antiseptic properties which in turn increase cell growth aiding
the wounds heal faster and decrease the visibility of scars after wound healing

29
(www.central coastlavender.com). Catriona (2011) says lavender is very effective with
wounds; and has the excellent healing rate on uninfected wounds.

2.5.3.3 Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub that has leaves similar

to hemlock needles belonging to Lamiaceae family. The plant grow to reach 1.5 m tall
and rarely 2 m. the leaves are evergreen which is 2 -4 cm long and 2 -5 mm broad, green
colour in the front of leaf and white colour in the bottom, which has short woolly hair. The
plant is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, but is reasonably hardy in cool climates.
The plant can withstand droughts and it can survive severe conditions without water for
long period. The plant flowers during spring and summer season in temperate climates,
but if the plant grows in warm climates it can be in constant bloom. The colour of the
flowers may vary white, pink, purple or deep blue. Generally rosemary flowers as late as
early December, and as early as mid-February (McCoy et al., 2015). . The leaves of
rosemary are used as a flavouring agent in foods such as stuffing and roast of lamb,
pork, chicken and turkey.

The plant contains various phytoconstituents, which include rosmarinic

acid, ursolic acid, camphor, betulinic acid, caffeic acid and the antioxidants carnosic
acid and carnosol (Hussain, et al., 2010). In traditional medicine of India, varieties of
disorders are cured with the plant extracts and essential oil from flowers. The
phytoconstituents in the plant has different antioxidant components which promote the
wound heal faster thereby reducing the reepithelialisation period (Alizargar et al., 2012).
Abu-al-basal (2010) revealed from his study that rosmarinus officinalis was most active in
healing diabetic wounds evidencing the traditional practice for wound treatments.

2.5.3.4 Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia is a species of plant from myrtle family, Myrtaceae. It is

commonly known as tea tree. There are more than 250 plants and the native of maleuca
plants are restricted to Australia and few in southern Asia, Europe and North America. It
is popularly known for its essential oil which has fresh camphoraceous ododourThe plant
is employed largely for its antimicrobial property. It is incorporated as an active
component in many tropical medicines for the usage on cutaneous infections (Carson et
al., 2006).

30
 Tea tree oil is slightly toxic when taken orally, but it is safe to use topically.
It has been claimed to be useful for treating a wide variety of medical conditions. Tea tree
oil may be effective in a variety of dermatologic conditions inincluding
dandruff acne, lice, herpes, and other skin infections (Pazyar et al., 2013). In vitro studies
have shown that tea tree oil kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
(Flaxman and Griffiths, 2005). Traditionally it is used for antibacterial and anti-
inflammatory properties. The plant has got strong dermatological effects and antifungal
property. It is active against E. coli, Propioibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Helicobacter pylori etc...(Joshi et al.,
2009).

A review study states that it may be used externally without any adverse effects.
Pazyar et al., (2014) stated that the phytotherapeutic agent of this plant can be used
largely in cutaneous wound healing. Clinical studies showed that it is effective in wound
healing when used from 1 to 10 % (Wound healing management node group, 2013).

2.5.4. Phytoconstituents present in medicinal herbs

Herbal sources have always been the strongest base of all drugs. The medicinal
values of the herbal plant lie in their bioactive constituents which produce certain
physiological action on the human body (Akinmol et al., 2007). These phytoconstituents
are basically divided into primary and secondary metabolites in regard to their plant
metabolism function. The primary metabolites comprises of chlorophyll, amino acids,
common sugars and proteins. The secondary metabolites consist of Alkaloids,
Flavonoids, Tannins, Phenols, and Saponins and so on (Afolabi and Afolabi, 2013). As
said these secondary metabolites play a major role in curing various disorders and
diseases that are caused by many pathogens. (Edeoga et al., 2005).

Alkaloids are the largest group in the secondary metabolites that are made up of
ammonia compounds comprising of nitrogen bases synthesised from amino acids
replacing hydrogen atoms in peptide rings (Sarker and Nahar, 2007). Flavonoids are
important group that are widely distributed in plant flora. They are made up of more than
one benzene ring and there are numerous reports which support their use as antioxidant
or free radical scavenger (Kar, 2007). Phenols are chemical components that occur as
natural colour pigments responsible for the colours of fruits of plants. Phenolic
compounds in plants are mostly synthesised from phenylalanine. Its most important role
is to defence against pathogens and herbivore predators so they can be applied in the

31
control of human pathogenic infections (Puupponen Pimia et al., 2008). Saponins are
also an important therapeutic constituent as they are shown to have hypolipidemic and
anticancer activity (Sarker and Nahar, 2007). Tannins are phenolic compounds with high
molecular weight. They are soluble in water and have a characteristic feature to tan, i.e. it
converts things into leather (Kar, 2007). Terpenoids are volatile substance which gives
fragrance to the plant and flowers. They are hydrocarbons of plant origin. They are
flammable unsaturated hydrocarbons existing in liquid form (Yadav et al., 2014).
Phytosterols are sterols found in plant, they can help your heart and brain stay young
(www.scientificamerican.com). They are also called as cardiac glycosides; they have
found therapeutic applications as arrow poison or cardiac drugs (Firn, 2010).

2.5.5. Role of phytoconstituents in wound healing

 Alkaloids – they have antimicrobial properties and they aid wounds heal faster.
Alkaloids also have antioxidant property.

 Tannins- tannins act as free radical scavengers and promote wound healing by
their astringent and antimicrobial property. (Soni et al., 2012).

 Flavonoids- Flavonoids would benefit the wound healing process by modulating

the concentration of reactive oxygen (Goshi and Gabar, 2013). These flavonoids
are known to reduce lipid peroxidation. They are greatly known to promote wound
healing which is mainly due to their astringent and antimicrobial property that
results in increase rate of epithelialisation (Gulzar et al., 2011).

 Saponins- Saponins are effective due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial

activity, which is responsible for wound contraction and elevated rate of
epithelialization (Baravkar et al ., 2008)

 Phenols- Phenolic compounds are important plant metabolites that are helpful for
many pharmacological activities in wound healing (Nidavani and Mahalakshi,
2013).

 phytoSterols- Sterols contribute for wound healing by their free radical scavenging
and antioxidant activity, which are known to reduce lipid peroxidation, thereby
reduce cell necrosis and improving vascularity (Soni et al ., 2012).

 Triterpenoids- they have astringent and antimicrobial property in them also they
possess the ability to increase the collagen content which is one of the major
factor for wound healing (Senthil et al., 2011).

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2.6. Nanotechnology in textiles

Over the last fifteen years the word “Nanotechnology” has become the ubiquitous
not only in the vocabulary of scientist and engineers but it has already set its footprint in
all fields. Nanotechnology in textiles has been used around 2600 BC in China (Russell,
2010). Nanotechnology is already proving to be a useful tool in improving the
performance of textile materials. The use of nanotechnology has paved way for
multifunctional textiles and to produce fabrics with special functions. It can provide high
durability to textiles fabrics because the nanoparticles have large surface area to volume
ratio and larger surface energy and thereby the function of the fabric increases
(Sengupta, 2016).

Nanotechnology has a variety of application in the textile industry especially in the

field of medical textiles due to its unique properties. Nanotechnology in medical textiles is
used in developing countries as a part of curative textiles to treat various diseases and
prevent health issues in nanomedicines. These nanoparticles which are used refer to a
colloidal system with their size ranging from 10 to 1000nm (Thapa et al., 2013).
Compared to the microsize carriers, these nanosize carriers provide more solubility,
enhanced bioavailability, improved controlled release of drugs at the target area and
amount of drug material will also be comparatively less (Mathur and Vyas, 2013). These
nanoparticles have come to the forefront in the novel drug delivery system for treatment
of various health problems. There are different types in nanoparticle preparation for the
drug delivery system under nanotechnology namely, high-pressure homogenization
method, coacervation method, co-precipitation method, salting out method,
nanoprecipitation or solvent displacement method, solvent emulsification-diffusion
method, superficial fluid method and self-assembly method (Ansari et al., 2012).

2.6.1. Nanoencapsulation technique

Nanoencapsulation is a process by which the active compounds are coated with

the wall material which can be a homogeneous or heterogeneous mixture to form
capsules at a nanoscale range (Prateepthong and Komboonchoo, 2015). In other words
these nanocapsules are typically vesicular system in which the bioactive ingredients is
surrounded by an outer membrane. These then have the slow release of bioactive
ingredient (Sowasod, 2008). These nanocapsules are spherical in shape and radius of
less than 100 nm (Sengupta, 2016).

33
 Nanoencapsulation remains to be one of the most promising technologies which
are having the feasibility to entrap the bioactive agents. It has got some versatile
advantage to target the specific site and deliver the entrapped compounds which aid in
efficient absorption through the cells. The various methods of nanoencapsulation
techniques are emulsification, coacervation, inclusion, complex nanoprecipitation,
emulsification- solvent evaporation (Ezhilarasi et al., 2013). The application of these
nanoparticles in textile substrates is done by coating techniques and finishing process. It
is found to be an interesting and high growth area in regard to the textile industry
(Schrijver et al., 2009). As nanotechnology continuously makes a place for itself in the
arena of the textile industry, these nanosized bioactive agents are in the forefront to
impart antimicrobials on textile in near future undoubtedly (Zhang, et al., 2010).

34