The possibility of using Propolis-enriched nonwoven textile as an insole for shoes

The aim of the work is to show the possible application of biodegradable Tencel® nonwoven textile with added value on shoe insoles. The emphasis is on the use of environmentally acceptable natural substances for the purpose of antibacterial protection. Propolis was used - a natural antibiotic with confirmed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Native propolis powder originally from Croatia was used. Propolis was applied to the samples by spraying. The antimicrobial efficiency of the resulting treatment was tested according to HRN EN ISO 20645:2004 and HRN EN ISO 20743:2008 standards for two types of bacteria: gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 8739) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 6538). The results showed that the application of native propolis powder on Tencel® nonwoven textiles gives satisfactory antimicrobial efficiency. Given that propolis has an antifungal effect on several strains of fungi, including Candida albicans, which causes fungal infections in humans, it can be used on shoe insoles.