Antibacterial Properties of Natural Dyes on Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

Garment functionality has become a major area of concern to the consumer. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of five natural dyes- neem leaves, turmeric, tea leaves, pomegranate rind, and myrobalan (harda) against Staphylococcus Aureus (S.aureus) and Escherichia Coli (E.coli). The dyes were tested individually for their antibacterial activity. No relation was found between the K/S values and antibacterial activity of the treated samples. Neem leaves showed the best antibacterial activity with pomegranate rind coming in second. The wash fastness of the dyes applied was also checked after subjecting the samples to 3 wash cycles. The individually treated samples of neem leaves and pomegranate rind had better wash durability as compared to turmeric, myrobalan (harda) and tea leaves.

Citation

Karolia, A. and Khaitan, U. (2012), "Antibacterial Properties of Natural Dyes on Cotton Fabrics", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 53-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-16-02-2012-B006