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Sukri, Nandi, et al. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications (2025): 100894.
This study investigated the application of citronella oil as a bioactive agent in double-layer starch-based composite films, focusing on the influence of drying time and oil concentration on film quality and antimicrobial performance. Films were fabricated via a layer-by-layer solvent casting method using cassava starch and carboxymethyl cellulose, with glycerol as a plasticizer. The first layer was dried at 50 °C for 15, 20, or 25 h, while the second layer incorporated citronella oil emulsions (0-5 % w/w) and was dried under identical conditions.
Drying time significantly affected physico-mechanical properties, with 20 h producing optimal results. Citronella oil addition increased thickness, water solubility, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and thermal absorption, while reducing water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and elongation at break. The bioactive function improved with oil concentration: films containing 5 % citronella oil exhibited the largest inhibition zones and lowest IC₅₀ values, indicating potent antimicrobial activity.
This work highlights citronella oil's potential as an effective natural additive in active food packaging. By embedding the oil in the inner layer, targeted release was achieved at the food-contact surface, enhancing microbial inhibition while maintaining structural integrity. The findings support citronella oil's role in developing sustainable, biodegradable films with both protective and active preservation functions, offering a promising alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents in packaging applications.
Zhao, Weijie, et al. Food Packaging and Shelf Life 40 (2023): 101168.
In this study, antimicrobial films were prepared by incorporating citronella oil (CO) into soy protein isolate (SPI) to enhance food packaging performance. The process began with the preparation of a film-forming solution (FFS) by dissolving 5 g SPI and 2 g glycerol in 100 mL distilled water under magnetic stirring at 500 rpm for 20 min. The pH was adjusted to 10.0 using sodium hydroxide at 2 mL min⁻¹, followed by heating in an oil bath at 70 °C with continuous stirring at 600 rpm for 20 min to achieve complete protein denaturation and dispersion.
CO was then added at concentrations of 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % (w/v), and the mixture was homogenized at 10,000 rpm for 3 min using a FA25-Digita homogenizer. To remove entrapped air, the emulsified solution was subjected to ultrasonic deaeration for 20 min. Equal volumes of FFS (0.09 mL cm⁻²) were carefully dispensed into plastic Petri dishes to ensure uniform thickness. The films were dried in a vacuum oven at 25 °C for 48 h, producing thin, flexible layers.
This controlled preparation ensured homogeneous CO dispersion within the SPI matrix, resulting in films with enhanced hydrophobicity, UV-blocking properties, and significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, while maintaining biocompatibility. The method offers a reproducible approach for fabricating bio-based, functional packaging films.
Tariq, Zeeshan, et al. Industrial Crops and Products 190 (2022): 115878.
This study reports the development of mosquito-repellent polyester-cotton (PC) textiles through microencapsulation of citronella oil (CO) via complex coacervation and application using the pad-dry-cure method. The shell materials-gum Arabic and gelatin-were each prepared at 12.5 % w/v, with gum Arabic dissolved at room temperature and gelatin at 40 °C. CO (4 mL) and distilled water (5 mL) were emulsified into the gum Arabic solution at 50 °C and 500 rpm for 20 min, followed by incorporation of the gelatin solution. Sequential dilution with distilled water, pH adjustment to 4.5 using 10 % v/v acetic acid, and cooling below 10 °C promoted coacervation. Crosslinking with 25 % glutaraldehyde stabilized the microcapsules, which were recovered after 8-9 h.
Aqueous dispersions containing 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % microcapsules (solid in water) with 20 g/L acrylic binder were prepared. PC fabrics were immersed (liquor ratio 1:10) for 5 min, passed through rollers to achieve 70 % wet pick-up, dried at 100 °C for 3 min, and cured at 110 °C for 2 min.
Performance evaluation showed that fabrics treated with 15 % CO microcapsules exhibited 90 % mosquito repellency initially and retained 80 % efficacy after 30 wash cycles, confirming excellent durability. Air permeability and water absorbency remained within acceptable ranges, preserving comfort. This eco-friendly functionalization strategy demonstrates CO's potential in creating sustainable, long-lasting mosquito-repellent textiles for protective and outdoor applications.
What is citronella essential oil made from?
Citronella essential oil is made from the leaves and stems of plants in the Cymbopogon genus.
What are some common uses of citronella essential oil?
Citronella essential oil is commonly used in perfumes, soaps, candles, and insect repellents.
What are the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of citronella essential oil?
Citronella essential oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections and reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.
How does citronella essential oil repel insects?
Citronella essential oil has bug-repelling qualities, particularly against mosquitoes, making it useful in natural insect repellents.
How does citronella essential oil benefit those with oily or mixed skin?
Citronella essential oil has astringent properties that can help tighten the skin, minimize the visibility of pores, and regulate oil production in those with oily or mixed skin.
What soothing effects does citronella essential oil have on the skin?
Citronella essential oil has a soothing and calming effect on the skin, reducing redness and irritation. It is frequently used in skincare products for delicate skin.
How does citronella essential oil promote healthy hair?
Citronella essential oil can enhance the growth of healthy hair by boosting hair follicles, minimizing dandruff, stimulating hair growth, and adding shine to dull hair.
How should citronella essential oil be used on the skin or hair?
Citronella essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil and used sparingly. It is recommended to perform a patch test before using it on the skin or hair.
How can citronella essential oil be used for hydration and acne treatment?
Citronella essential oil can be mixed with regular moisturizer or facial oil for hydration and used with carrier oils for acne treatment on acne-prone areas.
How does citronella essential oil help brighten the skin and fight signs of aging?
Citronella essential oil can make dark spots and blemishes less noticeable, tighten pores, balance skin tone, fight aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin radiance by stimulating blood circulation.
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