Antimicrobial and UV Protection Properties of Cotton Fabric Using Enzymatic Pretreatment and Dyeing with Acacia Catechu

Desizing and scouring of cotton fabric was performed with conventional chemical and enzymatic methods. Three enzymes viz., acid cellulase, neutral cellulase, and xylanase were applied on the scoured fabric to enhance the dyeing and functional properties. The dyeing of the enzyme treated fabrics was performed with Acacia catechu. The chemicals constitution of the dye was analyzed by phytochemical and FTIR method. The color values, fastness, mechanical, and functional properties were evaluated as per standard testing methods. The phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids in the dye. The color uptake was better in enzyme pretreated fabric than chemically pretreated fabric. The fastness properties of the dyed fabric were found to be good. The dyed fabrics showed excellent UPF and antimicrobial properties against gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria. Among the three enzymes, the performance of xylanse enzyme was found to be superior to others.