Reactive eco-friendly dyeing of natural fabrics using a novel herbal composite containing extracts of Hemigraphis colorata and Bacopa monnieri

Terrestial herbs and aquatic herbs are of natural origin with significant medicinal properties. These properties were selected and aimed to provide antimicrobial and anti-odour activities after finishing with nine different fabric samples in the present study. Hemigraphis colorata and Bacopa monnieri are the two herbs selected and a novel herbal composite (HC1) was developed. Composite was finished onto fabric samples using Pad-dry cure process. Finished fabrics were subjected to antibacterial activity using standard EN ISO 20,645 test method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. To prevent odour from physical activities, aromatic oil was finished onto fabric samples; followed by testing anti-odour activity using Swiss standard SNV 195,651. Test results of antibacterial activity of herbal composite (HC1) finished fabrics revealed good inhibitory action against both test bacteria. Aromatic efficiency of herbal composite finished fabrics showed significant aromatic efficiency. Statistical evaluation determined that there was no significant difference (p-1) between finished and control fabrics in terms of antibacterial activity and aroma. Results for the biocompatibility of the herbal composite finished fabrics revealed that the composite concentrations did not inhibit the growth of fibroblast cells; thus indicating the biocompatibility of the herbal composite finished fabric samples. The present study would be considered highly significant by providing an eco-friendly and sustainable products for developing medical textile products and smart home textile products.

Automated summary

In this study, natural herbs with significant medicinal properties were selected to provide antimicrobial and anti-odour activities on fabric samples. Hemigraphis colorata and Bacopa monnieri were chosen and a novel herbal composite (HC1) was developed. The results showed that the herbal composite exhibited good inhibitory action against bacteria and had significant aromatic efficiency. The biocompatibility of the composite finished fabrics was also confirmed. This study is highly significant in providing eco-friendly and sustainable products for medical textile and smart home textile development.