Antibacterial finishing of a dyed cotton fabrics using diospyros mespiliformis leaves extracts

Abstract

In this study, leaves of Diospyros mespiliformis was extracted using ethanol and macerated with chloroform and ethyl acetate and later screened for antibacterial  properties. The antibacterial analysis was performed qualitatively via disc diffusion method (AATCC 147) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as gram negative and gram positive bacteria respectively. The extract shows a significant activity on the isolated micro-organisms as evidenced by a clear zone of inhibition, more so in the ethyl acetate petri dish indicating its potentials in preventing microbial growth. The extract was then used to dye cotton fabrics by pre-mordanting, simultaneous mordanting and post-mordanting processes. The materials were assessed for fastness properties, such as fastness to washing, light, pressing and rubbing based on AATCC standards. The results show a good to moderate fastness properties suggesting that extract of Diospyros mespiliformis can be successfully used for dyeing of cotton fabric in textile industries thereby reducing the pollution and environmental hazards associated with the use of conventional synthetic chemical dyes.