Preparation and Characterization of Propolis–Biopolymer Coatings on Textiles for Topical Applications: Chemical Composition, Bioactivity, and Cytotoxicity Assessment

Functional coatings based on natural bioactive compounds have attracted increasing interest in topical and biomedical applications. In this study, textile substrates were coated with formulations containing propolis and selected biopolymers to create biocompatible surfaces with enhanced physicochemical and biological properties. The coating preparation process was optimized to achieve uniform deposition and stable incorporation of bioactive constituents. The chemical composition and interactions between propolis, biopolymers, and textile fibers were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), while surface morphology and coating distribution were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence and stability of key phenolic compounds in propolis were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Optical properties and UV-shielding performance of the coated textiles were evaluated using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The coffee-ring effect was investigated during coating formulation, as this phenomenon significantly reveals coating homogeneity, surface microstructure, and the spatial distribution of active compounds. The influence of formulation parameters on deposit morphology and coating quality was systematically assessed. The biocompatibility of the developed coatings was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity testing, demonstrating their suitability for direct skin contact. The combined analytical results confirmed successful incorporation of propolis into the biopolymer matrix, indicating that propolis–biopolymer coatings represent a promising approach for the fabrication of functional textiles intended for topical applications, including wound care, skin protection, and antimicrobial textile products.