Antibacterial dyeing of polyamide using turmeric as a natural dye

Abstract

Abstract Curcuma longa rhizome (turmeric) is a medicinal plant used for fabric and food coloration. In this study, polyamide (nylon 6.6) fabric was dyed with different mordants at various turmeric concentrations. The dyed fabric was evaluated for bacteriostatic activity against pathogenic strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gramnegative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The relationship between bacteriostatic activity and turmeric concentration was investigated. Durability of antibacterial activity to laundering is also discussed. Results indicate that the polyamide dyed with turmeric displayed excellent antibacterial activity in the presence of ferric sulfate, cupric sulfate, and potassium aluminum sulfate, and exhibited good and durable fastness properties.