Nano‐Layered Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Materials for the Controlled Delivery of Antimicrobials

SummaryAn essential oil (EO) blend has been identified that provides a broad spectrum potent antimicrobial effect. Adsorption of the EO onto porous silicate materials (Rockwood Additives: Laponite® B, Laponite® RD and Fulcat® 800) and has been analysed and it was found that Laponite® RD organically modified with dihydrogenated tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride (2HT2M) at 50% cation exchange capacity gave the highest levels of adsorption. The Laponite® RD 2HT2M with EO blend adsorbed has been added to polymer materials to produce an antimicrobial polymer. The adsorption of the EO onto the Laponite® RD was done to achieve controlled release of the EO to prolong the antimicrobial effect within the polymer.Addition of the EO loaded substrates into silicone elastomer has resulted in successfully conferring a high level of antimicrobial activity to the polymer.