WO2008049251A1

WO2008049251A1 - Microbicidal nano- and meso-polymer fibers produced from polymers and honey, for textile applications

Info

Publication number: WO2008049251A1
Application number: PCT/CH2007/000510
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Greiner; Judith Hehl
Original assignee: Schoeller Textil Ag
Priority date: 2006-10-23
Filing date: 2007-10-17
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: WO2008049251B1

Abstract

The invention relates to polymer fibers with microbicidal properties, comprising at least one polymer that can be electrospun and honey and to a method for producing said fibers. The use of honey allows polymers that can be electrospun to be provided with a microbicidal, especially antibacterial finish. The honey as such can be admixed to the solution of the at least one polymer that is to be electrospun, and/or the honey can be incorporated into the polymer fibers in encapsulated form via electrospinning, e.g. in the form of microcapsules. The fibers so obtained can optionally be coated with at least one additional layer of at least one polymer. The polymer fibers that can be obtained by the method according to the invention can be used for textile fibers, for example for producing fibers for activity clothing, protective clothing for medical staff and protective clothing for patients, for medical drapes and dressings or for cosmetic cleaning and care wipes and pads.

Description

Microbicidal nano- and mesopolymer fibers of polymers and honey for textile applications

The present invention describes a process for producing electrospun fibers comprising at least one polymer and honey. The use of honey allows the microbicidal and especially the antibacterial finish of electrospinnable polymers. In this case, the honey can be mixed as such in the solution of the at least one polymer which is to be electro-spun, and / or the honey can be incorporated in encapsulated form into the polymer fibers via electrospinning, e.g. in the form of microcapsules. The polymer fibers obtainable by the process according to the invention can be used for textile fibers, for example for the production of fibers for functional clothing or for nonwovens or fiber mats for cell culture substrates.

Description and introduction of the general field of the invention

The present invention relates to the fields of macromolecular chemistry, process engineering, textile and material sciences.

State of the art

For the production of nano- and mesofibers, the skilled person is familiar with a large number of methods, of which the electrospinning method (electrospinning) is of greatest importance at present, In this method, which is described, for example, by DH Reneker, HD Chun in Nanotechn. , Page 216 f, a polymer melt or a polymer solution is usually exposed to a high electric field at an edge serving as an electrode, for example, by passing the polymer melt or polymer solution under low pressure through an electric field in an electric field A cannula connected to one pole of a voltage source is extruded. Due to the resulting electrostatic charge of the polymer melt or polymer solution, a material flow directed onto the counterelectrode, which solidifies on the way to the counterelectrode, is produced. Depending on the electrode geometries, nonwovens or ensembles of ordered fibers are obtained with this method. While with polymer melts so far only fibers with diameters greater than 1000 nm are obtained, one can produce from polymer solutions fibers with diameters greater than or equal to 5 nm.

The prior art knows some processes for the production of polymer fibers by means of electrospinning:

DE 10 2004 009 887 A1 relates to a process for producing fibers with a diameter of <50 μm by electrostatic spinning or spraying a melt of at least one thermoplastic polymer.

DE 101 33 393 A1 discloses a process for producing hollow fibers having an inner diameter of 1 to 100 nm, in which a solution of a water-insoluble polymer-for example a poly-L-lactide solution in dichloromethane or a polyamide-46 Solution in pyridine - is electrospun. A similar method is also known from WO 01/09414 A1 and DE 103 55 665 A1.

DE 196 00 162 A1 discloses a process for the production of lawnmower wire or textile fabrics in which polyamide, polyester or polypropylene are combined, melted and mixed together as a fiber-forming polymer, a maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene / polypropylene rubber and one or more aging stabilizers before this melt is melt-spun.

For some applications of fibers, it is desirable to be able to inhibit the growth and / or proliferation of microorganisms. Microorganisms are understood as meaning bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses. Fibers with antimicrobial properties are particularly important for the medical in the field of interest, for example as wound dressings or for textiles for patients and / or medical personnel. Further fields of application for such textile products arise in biotechnology, for example as carrier materials for cell cultures.

In the food industry, honey is considered to be a concentrated aqueous solution of invert sugars. Invertose is a mixture of equal parts of grape (glucose) and fructose. It is known to the person skilled in the art that honey has antibiotic, in particular anti-microbial properties. Special attention is paid to the antibacterial nature of honey. This is described, for example, in KM Russell, PC Molan, AL Wilkins, PT Holland, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 1990, 38, 10-13. Unless otherwise stated, the terms microbicide and microbicide are to be used below as collective headings for agents for controlling microorganisms or for an antimicrobial effect. The effect may be reversible or irreversible growth inhibiting (for example, bacteriostats or fungistatics) or killing (for example, bactericides or fungicides). Honey is known to be microbicidal, not only because of its low water hardness (about 15 to 18%) and its low pH (about pH 3 to 4, for honeydew honey pH 5 to 6) - for example antibacterial - acts, but in particular that it contains microbicidal agents - for example, inhibins. Hydrogen peroxide is the best known inhibin, but there are also several non-peroxides inhibins, such as lysozyme, flavonoids and aromatic acids known and described in the literature. S Bogdanov and P Blumer, Swiss Center for Bee Research 2001, described that these non-peroxyd inhibins are partly of plant origin, but that bees also contribute to the microbicidal action of honey.

So far, the prior art knows no practicable method to provide textile fibers permanently or in the short term with honey and thus to give the fibers a microbicidal and especially bactericidal effect. task

The object of the present invention is to provide polymer fibers with microbicidal properties and processes for their preparation.

Solution of the task

The object of providing polymer fibers having microbicidal properties is achieved according to the invention by polymer fibers comprising at least one electrospinnable polymer and honey.

According to the invention, the at least one electrospinnable polymer is selected from the group poly (p-xylylene); Polyvinylidene halides, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalates, polybutylene terephthalate; polyether; Polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly (ethylene / propylene) (EPDM); polycarbonates; polyurethanes; natural polymers, eg rubber; polycarboxylic acids; Polysulfonic acids; sulfated polysaccharides; polylactides; polyglycosides; polyamides; Homopolymers and copolymers of aromatic vinyl compounds such as poly (alkyl) styrenes), for example polystyrenes, poly-alpha-methylstyrenes; Polyacrylonitriles, polymethacrylonitriles; polyacrylamides; polyimides; Polyphenylene; polysilanes; polysiloxanes; Polybenzimidazoles; polybenzothiazoles; polyoxazoles; polysulfides; polyester; Polyarylene-vinylenes; polyether ketones; Polyurethanes, polysulfones, inorganic-organic hybrid polymers such as ORMOCER® of the Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research Munich; silicones; wholly aromatic copolyesters; Poly (alkyl) acrylates; Poly (alkyl) methacry ate!; polyhydroxyethylmethacrylates; Polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl butyrates; polyisoprene; synthetic rubbers such as chlorobutadiene rubbers, eg Neoprene® from DuPont; Nitrile butadiene rubbers, eg Buna N®; polybutadiene; polytetrafluoroethylene; modified and unmodified celluloses, homopolymers and copolymers of alpha-olefins and copolymers made up of two or more monomer units forming the abovementioned polymers; Polyvinyl alcohols, polyalkylene oxides, for example polyethylene oxides; Poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone; hydroxymethylcelluloses; maleic; alginates; Collagens. All of the abovementioned polymers can be used in the polymer fibers according to the invention having microbicidal properties in each case individually or in any desired combinations with one another, in any desired mixing ratio.

According to the EU standard, honey is a natural sweetener produced by honey bees from nectar or secretions of living parts of plants or excretions of plant-sucking insects on living parts of plants that collect honeybees, by mixing with specific substances of their own, deposit, thicken, store and mature in honeycombs. Honeydew honey is honey derived mainly from excretions of plant-sucking insects (Hemiptera) from living parts of plants or from the secretions of living plants.

Honey bees are states forming insects of the genus Apis from the superfamily of bees {Apoidea). The genus Apis includes nine species of honeybees, eight of them are found in Asia, one from Europe. The native species of the genus Apis in Asia include: - Apis laboriosa (Cliff Honeybee), Apis dorsata (Giant Honeybee),

- Apis koschevnikovi v. (Asian Red Honeybee), Apis nigrocincta,

- Apis cerana (eastern honeybee) with the subspecies Apis cerana cerana, Apis cerana himalaya, Apis cerana indica, Apis cerana japonica,

Apis florea (dwarf honeybee),

Apis andreniformis (dwarf bush bee).

The Western honey bee Apis mellifera, originating from Europe, comprises the following subspecies: Apis mellifera ligustica, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera macedonia, Apis mellifera sicula, Apis mellifera cecropia,

- Apis mellifera mellifera, Apis mellifera iberica, Apis mellifera sahariensis, Apis mellifera intermissa, Apis meHfera meda, Apis mellifera adami, Apis mellifera cypria, Apis mellifera caucasica, Apis mellifera armeniaca, Apis mellifera anatolica, Apis mellifera major, Apis mellifera adansonii, Apis mellifera unicolor, Apis mellifera capensis, Apis mellifera monticola, Apis mellifera scutellata, Apis mellifera lamarkii, Apis mellifera yemenitica, Apis mellifera litorea.

Honey is produced by bees picking up nectar juices or other sweet juices on living plants, enriching them by the body's own substances, modifying them in their bodies, storing them in honeycombs and allowing them to ripen there. The main source is the nectar of flowering plants, an evolutionary mutual dependence between plants and mainly insects over millions of years for more effective pollination. Another honey source is honeydew of leaf, bark and / or scale insects in some of the world's most temperate climatic regions. More rarely, extrafloral plant nectaries, e.g. of corn, a roll.

The bee sucks the nectar or honeydew over her trunk, and in the honey bladder it is transported home to the hive. There the sugary juice is passed on to the stock bees. These add native substances and reduce the water content. The enzymes added by the bee cause a change in the sugar spectrum and the formation of inhibitors - these inhibit the growth of microorganisms, in particular of yeasts and / or bacteria. The reduction of the water content is done in two steps: First, a drop of nectar is spread over the nest of brood on the honeycomb cells. By vigorous Fanning with the wings and the prevailing temperature, water is evaporated until the honey reaches a water content of about 16-18%. Now the storage cells of the honey are coated with an impermeable wax layer. For the beekeeper this is the sure sign that the honey is ripe and can be harvested.

Honey is a viscous to solid (partially crystallized) substance, which tastes very sweet due to its high content of fruit and glucose. In addition to these and other sugars, honey contains 15-21% water (heather). honey to 23%) as well as enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, pollen, and flavorings

Minerals.

The harvest of honey for human use is traditionally done by

Beekeepers harboring the bee colonies. According to the type of extraction, the honey is divided into:

Honeydew Honey: It is obtained using exchangeable frames by ejecting the previously uncovered honeycombs in a honey extractor utilizing centrifugal force. Disc honey: It consists of non-hatched honeycomb pieces as pure natural constructions (honeycomb completely built by the bees themselves), especially at

Heather honey.

Honeycomb honey. It resembles the disc honey, but the honeycomb construction may contain so-called middle walls (pressed by the beekeeper to the people given pressed wax plate as a "building template") - Seim-, dripping, pressing or ramming honey: The honey is obtained from the honeycomb by leaking or squeezing ,

Nectar is a liquid that is rich in cane sugar, glucose and fructose and also contains minerals and fragrances. The nectar is excreted from the flowers of plants as glandular secretions from the nectaries (honey glands) to attract animals to transport the pollen of these plants to flowers of the same species for the purpose of reproduction (sexual reproduction). Nectar serves as a source of food for many animals and is, in addition to honeydew, the raw material from which bees produce honey.

Honeydew is a sugar-containing excrement product of various beaked hens (Hemiptera), especially the aphids (Aphidina), bark lice (Cinara), scale insects (Coccina), Balttflöhe (Psyllina), moth sign lice (Aleyrodina) and various cicadas (Auchenorrhyncha). These insects feed on juice from sieve tubes (phloem) of various plants. Since the phloem sap is rich in sugars but relatively low in nitrogenous compounds (amino acids), the plant teat must absorb large amounts of phloem sap. to meet their nitrogen needs. The superfluous sugar is excreted in the form of honeydew.

Honeydew is a popular food source for a variety of insects that feed on the sweet juice or use it as an adjunct. It is known that begging honeydew by ants (Formicidae), which hold aphids like dairy cows and protect them from predators. Most other insects lick the honeydew from leaves or needles, such as many

Diptera, where the honeydew can form a thick and sticky film (also recognizable on vehicles under heavily populated trees).

Honeydew is clear when fresh. It is rich in sugars, especially in fruit, grape and cane sugar. In addition, maltose, fructomaltose and melezitose as well as other oligosaccharides are also present in smaller quantities. In addition, honeydew contains ferments, organic acids, vitamins and adenosine phosphates.

As already mentioned, honey bees also collect honeydew instead of nectar if they have sufficient supply. This then forms the basis for various honey varieties, which are referred to as leaf, fir or forest honey. The color and aroma of these honeys vary greatly depending on their origin, especially in the forest honey from firs and spruces.

The honeys which can be used in the present invention include, for example, but not exhaustively:

Acacia honey, mountain flower honey, flower honey with mimosa, buckwheat honey, Chestnut honey, oak forest honey, strawberry tree honey, eucalyptus honey, mountain flower honey, heather honey, clover honey, country honey, lavender honey, linden honey, dandelion honey, Manuka honey, fruit blossom honey, orange blossom honey, Phaceliahonig, pine honey, Quillayahonig, oilseed rape honey, Summer honey, summer honey, sunflower honey, tamarisk honey, Tasmanian leather honey, thyme honey, wild honey, white fir honey and wild flower honey. For the purposes of the present invention, "honey" comprises all the honeys mentioned in each case individually or in any desired combination with one another, in any desired mixing ratio and regardless of botanical origin, method of production and / or honeys and irrespective of whether they are honeydew flowers or honeydew honey For the purposes of the present invention, "honey" also comprises sugar solutions and mixtures of sugar solutions, in particular concentrated sugar solutions, which have microbicidal or other cosmetic, medicinal or pharmaceutical effects on humans or animals.

Optionally, the honey can be used in encapsulated form. Processes for the preparation of active ingredient-containing microcapsules are known to the person skilled in the art and can be used without departing from the scope of the patent claims. In the context of the present invention, "active substance-containing" means "containing honey as active ingredient"; "Honey in encapsulated form" means "microcapsules containing honey as active ingredient". Active ingredient-containing microcapsules can be prepared, for example, by polymerizing honey and at least one polymer by microreaction technology in the micromixer crosslinking.

The polymer fibers having microbicidal properties according to the invention comprising at least one electrospinnable polymer and honey may comprise honey as "honey" as defined above and / or as "honey in encapsulated form".

The polymer fibers according to the invention with microbicidal properties are prepared by a process characterized by the following steps: a) preparing a solution of the at least one electrospinnable polymer, b) adding honey and / or honey in encapsulated form and mixing with the polymer solution, c) electrospinning the Mix to fibers.

In order to prepare the solution of the at least one electrospinnable polymer according to step a), the electrospinnable polymer is dissolved in a mixture of at least one suitable organic solvent and water. there the ratio of at least one organic solvent to water is 95: 5 (v / v) to 70:30 (v / v). It is known to those skilled in the art which polymers dissolve in which organic solvents, which organic solvents are miscible with water in what proportion, and which mixtures of organic solvents and water are suitable for dissolving which polymers. He can apply this expertise without departing from the scope of the claims.

The polymer content in this solution is according to the invention between 3 wt .-% and 20 wt .-%.

Subsequently, according to step b) of the process according to the invention, honey and / or honey in encapsulated form are added to the solution of the at least one polymer. The proportion of honey and / or honey in encapsulated form in this mixture is according to the invention between 1 wt .-% and 20 wt .-% based on the polymer solution, regardless of the proportion of the polymer or polymers in the solution.

This mixture is exposed to a high electric field at an edge serving as an electrode. For example, this can be done by extruding the honey nanoparticle-containing solution of the electro-spinnable polymer in an electric field under low pressure through a cannula connected to a pole of a voltage source. The result is a flow of material directed at the counterelectrode, which solidifies on the way to the counterelectrode.

Optionally, polymer fibers according to the invention with microbicidal properties, which were prepared by the above process according to the invention, can subsequently be coated with at least one further layer of at least one further polymer.

This coating can be, for example, by vapor deposition, knife coating, spin coating, dip coating, spraying or plasma deposition of polymers such as poly (p-xylylene), polyacrylamide, polyimides, polyesters, polyolefins, polycarbonates, polyamides, polyethers, polyphenylenes, polysilanes , Polysiloxanes, Polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polyoxazoles, polysulfides, polyesteramides, polyarylenevinylenes, polylactides, polyetherketones, polyurethanes, poly-sulfones, ormocers, polyacrylates, silicones, wholly aromatic copolyesters, poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone, polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polymethacrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl acetate , Neoprene, Buna N, polybutadiene, polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose (modified or unmodified), alginates or collagen whose homo- and copolymers and / or blends are made.

The polymer fibers according to the invention having microbicidal properties inhibit the growth and / or proliferation of microorganisms. In one embodiment of the present invention, polymer fibers having microbicidal properties are prepared by preparing a solution of at least one electro-spinnable polymer, mixing it with honey, and electro-spanning it. If there is no addition of honey in encapsulated form and / or if the additional optional coating with at least one further polymer is dispensed with, the resulting polymer fibers are water-stable; however, the honey dissolves on contact with aqueous media. If fibers according to the invention having microbicidal properties are prepared with honey as defined above, without these fibers subsequently being coated with at least one further polymer, the polymer fibers themselves are water-stable. However, the honey is essentially completely dissolved out on contact with aqueous media within a few days. Fibers of this embodiment are therefore preferably suitable for the production of products in which a short-term, but extensive microbicidal action is desirable. Such products are, for example, wound dressings or cosmetic products such as cleansing and care wipes or pads.

In further embodiments, polymer fibers having microbicidal properties are produced by preparing a solution of at least one electro-spinnable polymer, mixing it with honey and electrospinning, wherein honey is added in encapsulated form and / or the polymer fibers are subsequently treated with at least one further polymer. be layered. Fibers of this embodiment are also water stable, and the honey contained in them is released slowly and in a controlled manner. Fibers of this embodiment are therefore suitable for the manufacture of products which are used permanently. These are, for example, textile fibers for functional clothing, protective clothing for medical personnel and protective clothing for patients.

embodiments

1. Preparation of polyvinyl butyrate (PVB) fibers comprising honey

To prepare the fibers, an electrospinning apparatus was used as described in M. Bognitzki et al. Adv. Mater. 12, 637 (2000). To a 5% (w / w) solution of commercial Mowital B 60 T (M _w = 50,000-60,000, polyvinyl butyrate) in a mixture of ethanol and deionized water (80:20) was added 1, 3 and 6 weight percent Active UMF20 + Manuka Honey from the company Honey New Zealand or bee honey from Dr. Ing. Krieger's admitted.

These solutions and a comparison solution, which consisted only of Mowital B 60 T and the ethanol / deionized water, were at 20 ⁰ C and 65% rel. Humidity from a syringe (1 mL) spun onto baking paper. The applied voltage was 25 kV, the distance between cannula and baking paper was 20 cm and the drive 4 cm / h.

2. Investigation of the antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles produced

The antibacterial effectiveness of the PVB fibers, the different proportions of Manuka honey or Dr. med. Krieger's bee honey, contained, was investigated. For this purpose, agar plates were either inoculated with Micrococcus luteus, mixed with a suitable nutrient medium and incubated to confluency.

Subsequently, samples of the Manuka honey or Dr. 2 × 1 cm) were applied to the confluent micrococcus / uterus cells and incubated for a further 48 h at room temperature. Subsequently, the effect of the fibers on the growth of the bacteria was recorded with a camera. FIGS. 2 to 5 show the results of the investigations.

Mean

O: Comparative sample of a non-honey PVB fiber mat placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus T1: PVB fiber mat containing 1% by weight of bee honey in the spinning solution, laid on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus T3: PVB fiber mat with 3 wt .-% bee honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

TQ: PVB fiber mat with 6% by weight honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

M1: PVB fiber mat with 1% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus M3: PVB fiber mat with 3% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus M6: PVB fiber mat with 6% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

In the comparative sample no microbicidal, especially no antibacterial, effect could be detected. The honey-containing fiber mats had more or less pronounced bacteria-free zones around the mats (most clearly in sample M6), but the fiber mats themselves were not bacteria-free.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 voltage source

2 capillary nozzle 3 syringe

4 polyelectrolyte solution

5 counter electrode

6 fiber formation

7 fiber mat

Figure legends

1 shows a schematic representation of a device suitable for carrying out the electrospinning process according to the invention. The device comprises a syringe 3, at the tip of which is a capillary nozzle 2. This capillary nozzle 2 is connected to a pole of a voltage source 1. The syringe 3 receives the polyelectrolyte solutions 4 to be spun. Opposite the outlet of the capillary nozzle 2, a counterelectrode 5 connected to the other pole of the voltage source 1 is arranged at a distance of about 20 cm, which acts as a collector for the fibers formed. During operation of the device, a voltage between 18 kV and 35 kV is set at the electrodes 2 and 5, and the polyelectrolyte solution 4 is discharged through the capillary nozzle 2 of the syringe 3 at a low pressure. Due to the electrostatic charge of the polyelectrolytes in the solution due to the strong electric field of 0.9 to 2 kV / cm, a material flow directed towards the counterelectrode 5, which solidifies on the way to the counterelectrode 5 with fiber formation 6, arises as a result on the counterelectrode 5 fibers 7 with diameters in the micro and nanometer range. Fig. 2

Fig. 2 is a comparative sample of a 2 x 1 cm is large electro-spun fiber mat of Mowital B 60 T ^® (polyvinyl butyral, PVB), which was placed for 24 hours at room temperature to a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus. In preparing the fiber mat, no honey was added to the polyvinyl butyrate solution prior to electrospinning. No antibacterial effect of the fiber mat could be detected.

Fig. 3 Fig. 3 shows electrospun fiber mats (2 x 1 cm) of Mowital B 60 T ^® (polyvinyl butyrate). 0 means: comparative sample of a PVB fiber mat without honey, laid on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus T1: PVB fiber mat with 1% by weight honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

13: PVB fiber mat with 3 wt .-% honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

M1: PVB fiber mat with 1% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

In samples T1, T3 and M1, bacteria-free zones appeared around the fiber mats; however, the fiber mats themselves were not bacteria-free. In the comparative sample no antibacterial effect could be detected.

Fig. 4

Fig. 4 shows electrospun fiber mats (2 x 1 cm) of Mowital B 60 T ^® (polyvinyl butyrate). It means

T6: PVB fiber mat with 6% by weight honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

M3: PVB fiber mat with 3% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus M6: PVB fiber mat with 6% by weight of manuka honey in the spinning solution, placed on a confluent layer of Micrococcus luteus

For samples T6, M3 and M6, bacteria-free zones appeared around the fiber mats; however, the fiber mats themselves were not bacteria-free.

Fiα 5

Fig. 5 shows electrospun fiber mats (2 x 1 cm) of Mowital B 60 T ^® (polyvinyl butyrate), wherein the spinning solution were added 6 wt .-% Manuka honey (= sample M6). In this sample, the most prominent bacteria-free zone was one fiber mat of all the samples tested.

Claims

claims

1. polymer fibers having microbicidal properties, comprising at least one electrospinnable polymer and honey.

2. polymer fibers having microbicidal properties according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrospinnable polymer is selected from the group poly (p-xylylene); Polyvinylidene halides, polyesters; polyether; polyolefins; polycarbonates; polyurethanes; natural polymers; Polycarboxylic acids; polysulfonic; sulfated polysaccharides; polylactides; Polyglycoside; polyamides; Homopolymers and copolymers of aromatic vinyl compounds; Polyacrylonitriles, polymethacrylonitriles; polyacrylamides; polyimides; Polyphenylene; polysilanes; polysiloxanes; polybenzimidazoles; Polybenzothiazoles; polyoxazoles; polysulfides; polyester; Polyarylenvinylene; Polyether ketones; Polyurethanes, polysulfones, inorganic-organic hybrid polymers; silicones; wholly aromatic copolyesters; Poly (alkyl) acrylates; Poly (alkyl) methacrylates; polyhydroxyethylmethacrylates; Polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl butyrates; polyisoprene; synthetic rubbers; Polytetrafluoroethylene; modified and unmodified celluloses, homopolymers and copolymers of alpha-olefins and copolymers composed of two or more monomer units forming the abovementioned polymers; Polyvinyl alcohols, polyalkylene oxides, e.g. Polyethylene oxides; Poly-N-vinyl-pyrrolidone; hydroxymethylcelluloses; maleic; alginates; Collagens.

3. polymer fibers having microbicidal properties according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the honey is selected from the group acacia honey, mountain blossom honey, honey with mimosa, buckwheat honey, sweet chestnut honey, oak forest honey, strawberry honey, eucalyptus honey, mountain blossom honey, heather honey, clover honey, Landhonig, lavender flowers - honey, linden honey, dandelion honey, manuka honey, fruit blossom honey,

Orange blossom honey, phacelia honey, pine honey, quillaya honey, rapeseed honey, summer honey, summer honey, sunflower honey, tamarisk honey, Tasmanian leather honey, thyme honey, wild honey, silver fir honey, wildflower honey and sugars, sugar solutions and mixtures of Sugar solutions, in particular concentrated sugar solutions, which develop microbicidal or cosmetic, medicinal or pharmaceutical effects on humans or animals.

4. polymer fibers having microbicidal properties according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polymer fibers are electrospun.

5. A process for the preparation of microbicidal polymer fibers according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the steps a) preparing a solution of the at least one electrospinnbaren polymer, b) adding honey and / or honey in encapsulated form and mixing with the polymer solution, c) electrospinning the mixture into fibers.

6. A process for the preparation of microbicidal polymer fibers according to claim 5, characterized in that the microbicidal polymer fibers are subsequently coated with at least one layer of at least one further polymer.

7. A process for the preparation of microbicidal polymer fibers according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that proportion of honey and / or honey in encapsulated form in the polymer solution is between 1 wt .-% and 20 wt .-%.

8. A microbicidal polymer fiber obtainable by the process according to claim 5.

9. A microbicidal polymer fiber obtainable by the method according to claim 6.

10. Use of microbicidal polymer fibers according to claim 8 for the production of wound dressings or for the production of fibers for cosmetic products.

11. Use of microbicidal polymer fibers according to claim 9 for the production of textile fibers for functional clothing, protective clothing for medical personnel and protective clothing for patients.