Production of lavender oil loaded antibacterial polymeric membranes

Antibacterial polymeric membranes were produced within the context of this study. PCL polymer solution and PEG solution that was mixed with lavender oil ( Oleum lavendula angustifolia ) was electrospun concurrently from opposite directions. Thus lavender oil used as antibacterial agent was entrapped within PEG fibers. Antibacterial polymeric membranes were produced by collecting electrospun fibers on rotating mandrel. Interaction of the solvent with the polymer determined with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface morphology of the membrane and fiber diameters were investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. Mechanical strengths of the membranes were evaluated by standard tensile tests. Hydrophilicity of the membranes were characterized by contact angle measurements and water uptake capacities were characterized by swelling tests. In vitro controlled release of the lavender oil by dissolution of PEG fibers in aqueous medium was investigated under in vitro conditions. Antibacterial activity of the membranes on gram positive and gram negative bacteria species were observed by disk diffusion tests.