Use of various plant extracts to provide hygiene in mattresses and antibacterial film production

It has been known for many years that microorganisms can grow and proliferate on textile material. Other than clothes, the objects that humans mostly contact with are their mattresses. In this study, it was aimed to produce an antibacterial film in order to prevent growth and proliferation of various bacteria which are dangerous for human health in mattresses and to make mattresses hygienic since they cannot be changed in a short time. In the study, extracts were first obtained from Saponaria officinalis L. , Oxalis acetosella L. , Althaea officinalis L. , Lavandula officinalis L. , Aesculus hippocastanum L. , Thymus vulgaris L. , Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr at Perry plants. The extracts were used individually and combined to form experimental groups. The antibacterial effects of the extracts were examined by disc-diffusion method applied on Gram-positive rods, Gram-negative rods, Gram-positive cocci and Bacilli colonies obtained from mattresses. In addition, the colony counts were also carried out in total MAB culture. Based on the results of the study, it was determined that S. aromaticum and L. officinalis + all extracts had the highest inhibitory effect. By using S. aromaticum extract, xanthan gum, propylene glycol, tween-20 and distilled water, an antibacterial film, which may provide long-term hygiene in mattresses, was produced. The obtained gel was lyophilized and made available for use. As a result of this study, it was foreseen that with the development of the obtained product, 4-5 million people (e.g., dorm, hospital, hotel) could be protected from the diseases transmitted from mattresses, the money spent on the chemicals used for hygiene and the damages caused by these chemicals on human and environmental health could be reduced, mattresses used for long periods of time could be made healthy, and mattresses can be made hygienic in a cost-effective, practical and natural manner.