Acorn Shell Extract-Functionalized Cotton Biomaterials: A Sustainable Platform with Biological Activities and Controlled Release for Skin Microbiota Dysregulation Conditions

Background/Objectives: Skin dysbiosis is associated with several dermatological disorders and is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. Bioactive textiles offer a promising strategy for localized skin health management; however, many currently available materials rely on synthetic or metal-based agents. This study aimed to develop sustainable cotton-based bioactive textiles functionalized with acorn shell (AS) extract, an agri-food by-product rich in phenolic compounds, and evaluate their biological performance potential for skin-contact applications in the management of skin dysbiosis conditions.

Methods

Cotton fabrics were pre-treated with chitosan, a commercial cationic agent, or potassium alum and functionalized with AS extract using exhaustion or padding techniques. The resulting materials were assessed for antimicrobial activity against skin-associated bacteria, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated macrophages, cytocompatibility with keratinocytes and macrophages, and phenolic compound release under skin-mimicking conditions.