Clove Essential Oil - Free and Encapsulated for Antimicrobial Leather

Essential oils have antimicrobial properties, with good potential to be used as natural biocides. Microencapsulation is a technological possibility to protect functional natural microbicides and to prevent chemical changes. The performance of the clove essential oil (CEO), free and encapsulated, against bacteria was evaluated. The emulsion extrusion technique was used for CEO encapsulation with alginate and the sol-gel technique was used for the encapsulation with silica. Samples were characterised for antimicrobial activity, size and functional groups present. Strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was observed. FTIR showed the main peaks of the CEO and confirmed its incorporation into the alginate microcapsules obtained and of the silica nanocapsules. The chemical stability of the clove oil after encapsulation gives rise for its bactericidal use in leather manufacturing with advantages of maintaining its properties for more durability and controlled release in leather.