Development of protein fabric indicator for protein contact dermatitis (PCD) patient

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to develop a new method of protein detection in fabric using purified henna extract targeted to be used as a precautionary step by protein contact dermatitis (PCD) patients. Design/methodology/approach Henna contains lawsone, which is known for its reaction with amino acid, resulting in the formation of a highly coloured compound. Dye exhaustion test of 2 per cent purified henna extract was done on both protein and non-protein fabric, and the results were analysed using independent samples t-test to assess the significant differences of the comparison. Then, protein fabric indicator was developed by incorporating purified henna extract. It was tested for its dye ability and stability. Findings Protein fabrics showed a significant higher dye exhaustion (p = 0.001) in which pure silk came in first with 21.70 per cent ± 2.53, silk/rayon, 13.96 per cent ± 0.55, viscose/wool, 9.57 per cent ± 1.36, cotton/spandex, 5.89 per cent ± 0.86, linen/cotton, 5.26 per cent ± 1.29, cotton, 4.87 per cent ± 1.51, polyester/viscose, 4.69 per cent ± 1.09, linen, 4.56 per cent ± 0.86, polyester/cotton, 3.90 per cent ± 0.29 and polyester and 3.88 per cent ± 0.66. Two different forms of protein fabric indicator were developed: capsule and tablet. Both indicators showed good observable dye exhaustion and fixation results. Orange henna dye was fixed on protein fabric while non-protein fabric returned to its original colour after washing procedure. However, the tablet form showed better performance in terms of functionality and stability. Originality/value This study will help general community to better understand fibre and its constituents, especially protein where clothing is an integral part of human life because it comes in direct contact with the human skin. As PCD caused by clothing and textile is an uncommon disease, it may also help in creating awareness on how some people may develop contact dermatitis through fabric. This is because the fabric’s protein content is a causative allergen, which most people tend to overlook. For the researcher, this study helps to elucidate some critical areas in PCD for clothing and textile as this topic can be considered an understudy. There is no standard method to detect protein in fabric, especially blended fabric. Thus, a portable kit to detect protein in fabric will be developed in this study. This kit will benefit PCD patients to ease them in finding the right fabric for their skin.