Antibacterial fabrics modified with betulin for medical and general applications

This study examines the potential use of betulin as an alternative to silver in enhancing vinyl-coated fabrics. Silver, commonly used to impart antimicrobial properties to polymers, raises environmental and cytotoxicity concerns. Betulin, known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal characteristics, emerges as an eco-friendly alternative. The study highlights the possible applications of betulin in various sectors, such as medical, military, and public settings, where addressing the challenge of harmful biofilms is critical. The aim of this research was to assess the possible effectiveness of betulin as a modifier in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated textiles. The study involved extracting betulin, preparing plasticizer-based betulin premix, incorporating it into plastisol, and then coating fabrics to analyze its effect on surface bioactivity. Preliminary tribological studies were conducted to assess the durability of the coating. According to the ISO 22196:2007 standard, significant antibacterial effects were observed, with an activity rating (R) ranging between 1.55 and 2.0. In addition, tribological studies indicated an improvement in coating durability compared to conventional PVC coatings. The results suggest that betulin shows potential as a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative, contributing to improved product functionality while minimizing environmental impact. Further research is planned to investigate the potential of betulin in polymer modification and to exploit its positive impact on human health and environmental sustainability.