Biocompatible and Antimicrobial Cellulosic Support via Bioactive Emulsion-Based Film Angela Danila, Laura Chirila, Carmen-Mihaela Popescu, Ionela Cristina Voinea, Cristina-Mihaela Rimbu, et al. Polymers, 2026 Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various emulsion recipes. The emulsions obtained were applied to cellulose supports intended for topical applications. Bioactive textiles were analyzed using SEM-EDS elemental mapping, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, biocompatibility assessment, antimicrobial activity assays, and analysis of comfort indices. SEM images of textile supports treated with bioactive emulsions confirmed the creation of a film surface and that the homogeneity of the film increases with increasing amount of glycerin, which acts as a plasticizer. Infrared spectra combined with their second derivatives and PCA indicate the presence of oregano essential oil, thyme extract, and pectin on the surface of the cotton. The biocompatibility evaluation of functionalized cotton supports revealed minimal cytotoxic effects on HaCaT human keratinocytes after 24 h of exposure. The results of the analyses showed that bioactive textile supports also exhibit antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the active emulsions with pectin, oregano essential oil, and hydroalcoholic extract of thyme provide biocompatible and antimicrobial active films by applying on cellulosic supports.
Advances in diabetic footwear and plantar pressure distribution devices: literature review on design, efficacy, and patient outcomes ADRIANA CHIRILĂ, MANUELA-LĂCRĂMIOARA AVĂDANEI, AURA MIHAI, MARIANA COSTEA, ALINA IOVAN-DRAGOMIR, et al. Industria Textila, 2025 This literature review aims to explore the significance of diabetic footwear in managing foot-related complications associated with diabetes, especially related to diabetic neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and ulcerations. The goal is to synthesise key research on the design, efficacy, and impact of diabetic footwear in preventing foot ulcers, reducing pressure, and promoting healing. The review highlights recent advancements in diabetic footwear technology, including innovations such as smart sensors and other industry 4.0 advancements, while also addressing the barriers to patient compliance and the challenges in evaluating long-term outcomes. Special considerations are addressed to publications and authors in the field of diabetic research as their continuous impact drives knowledge forward and provides relevant data in improving patients’ quality of life. Findings show that diabetic footwear plays a critical role in preventing foot complications, but further research is needed to standardise footwear designs and assess long-term benefits.
Impact of pattern lines and technological features on the behaviour of vamp-over-quarter footwear type ARINA SEUL, MARIANA COSTEA, AURA MIHAI, RALUCA LUPU, ADRIANA CHIRILĂ, et al. Industria Textila, 2025 This article aims to demonstrate how the positioning of the seam line between the vamp and quarter and the number of stitches affect the joint strength and overall performance of the product during walking. The configuration of analysis conditions and constraints was conducted using ANSYSTM. The gait biomechanics were considered to establish the load model, including the distribution of forces, their magnitudes, and constraints. The analysis focused on the three phases of gait: heel strike, mid-stance, and push-off, evaluating three key parameters: directional displacement, Von Mises stress, and elastic deformation. The study emphasises how directional displacement, stress distribution, and elastic deformation change based on the gait phase and the materials used in the construction of the selected footwear type. Using a two-stitch seam to join the components promotes directional displacements and reduces stress/tension compared to a single-stitch seam. Positioning the seam line between the vamp and quarters along the toe line increases stress/tension in the front section of the shoe. The analysis was validated by comparing simulation results with average plantar pressures obtained from a biomechanical assessment of plantar pressure distribution.
The Influence of Materials on Footwear Behaviour: A Finite Element Simulation Study Arina Seul, Aura Mihai, Mariana Costea, Alexandra Bodoga, Antonela Curteza Materials, 2023 The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of materials and their position within the upper assembly on the behaviour of casual footwear using finite element simulation tools. The study was carried out on three models of casual footwear, which are identical in terms of design lines, varying only in the materials of the upper assembly, namely calfskin leather (M1), knitted fabric (M2), and combination of knitted fabric and calfskin leather (M3). The footwear models were designed according to the design constraints specific to casual footwear. The foot was reconstructed based on the shoe last obtained based on anthropometric data. Material definition, 3D models editing, setting up analysis conditions, and constraints were performed using the Ansys 17.2 software. Gait biomechanics were taken into account to define the loading model, force distribution, force values, and constraints. The study evaluates footwear behaviour in terms of directional deformation (Z axis), equivalent von Mises stress, and equivalent elastic strain distribution. This paper explores a methodology that has the potential to enhance the footwear design and manufacturing process, providing designers with information about the deformations and stress distribution on upper parts of the footwear product.
Slit tear resistance of leather used in upholstery manufacturing MARIANA COSTEA, ARINA SEUL, AURA MIHAI Industria Textila, 2023 The paper presents experimental research on the slit tear resistance of leather used for producing upholstery. A finite element analysis is done by simulating the product's behaviour, considering different factors and parameters, and materials are classified according to the normal stress results. The maximum force exerted during the tearing of the specimen has been observed at the SATRA tensile testing machine, with STM 466ST attachment and digital software control. The load at break, the extension at break, Young's Modulus, and the load-distance graphs were registered and the medium values were calculated. The Taguchi method based on orthogonal arrays was used to maximize the material characteristics significant for this type of analysis.
Footwear modular design for elderly women Mariana Costea International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management Sgem, 2017