Abstract :
The present study was taken up as an exploratory study to test if natural dye containing Pseudomonas fluorescens pigments may be used to develop protective clothing. This microbial dye was used to dye cotton, wool and silk fabrics and these fabrics were tested for antimicrobial finish against common human pathogens Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and their resistance to UV radiation. Wool samples exhibited best antimicrobial finish against E. coli while same was observed for silk samples against Staphylococcus aureus. Quantitatively, inhibition rate was highest for dyed wool samples (23.77% and 49.47%) followed by silk (22.22% and 42.55%) and cotton (16.17% and 32.37%) for E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Among wool, silk and cotton fabrics, wool samples exhibited best UV
protection factor. Study concluded that all the dyed samples exhibited antibacterial and UV protection properties. Textile materials with antibacterial finish may find use in preparation of sheets and gowns for hospital use and articles, which are less suitable for laundering such as mattresses and upholstery. UV protective textiles can be used in various apparels and accessories such as hats, shoes, umbrellas, baby-carrier covers, tents and beach cannabis etc.
Keyword :
Bacterial pigment, Natural dye, Antibacterial finish, Textiles, UV protection, Protective textiles