A Synergism of Eco-Friendly Dyeing of Cotton Fabric and Therapeutic Benefits of Bixa Orellana Seed

Background  and  objectives:  The  present  research  is  aimed  to  study  the  eco-friendly  nature  and  therapeutic application of the natural dye from the seed extract of Bixa orellana for maximizing the benefits of cotton fabric. Materials and methods: A natural dye was extracted from Bixa orellana seeds by hot water and ethanolic extraction method. This dye was examined  for its ability with  pre-mordanting  and post-mordanting  of cotton  fabrics  with ferrous  sulphate,   hydrated  double sulphate    and    tamarind  seed  powder  in  order  to  improve  the  aesthetics    and  natural  color  shades  on  cotton  fabrics. Furthermore, the dyed cotton fabric was used to analyze the antibacterial efficacy of cotton fabric against bacterial culture such as Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results: Our results suggest that pre- mordanting of cotton fabric with ferrous sulphate, alum and tamarind seed shows good dye fixation rate and stronger color than post-mordanting. Dyeing of cotton fabric with the ethanol extract of Bixa orellana seeds gave excellent and beautiful shades than the ones extracted with hot water. Furthermore, cotton fabric dyed with ethanol extracted was found significantly active against human pathogens compared to cloth dyed with hot water extract. The results evidenced that cotton knitted fabrics showed an increase in dye uptake with natural mordant and strength with a considerable  reduction in antimicrobial activity. Conclusion: This research  adumbrated  developing  a greener  technology  to cabalistic  use of Bixa orellana seed extract  applied on cotton cloths for coloring and in future find commercial use as a functional finishing agent (for newborns, clothing for burns, injured soldiers and hospitals) for health protection with semi-durable therapeutic properties.