Eco-Friendly Extraction and Use of Yellow Curcumin Dye for Silk Coloring

Jenn Hoskins
7th June, 2024

Eco-Friendly Extraction and Use of Yellow Curcumin Dye for Silk Coloring

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Government College University Faisalabad found that natural dyes from Amba Haldi can effectively dye silk fabrics
  • Using microwave technology, they achieved deep, long-lasting colors on silk, optimizing the process with specific conditions
  • The study shows that natural dyes, combined with bio-mordants, offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes, reducing environmental harm
Green products such as plant-based dyes are gaining popularity due to their biological and ayurvedic benefits. A recent study by Government College University Faisalabad explored the isolation of colorant from Amba Haldi (Curcuma aromatica) using microwave (MW) technology, combined with bio-mordants to produce long-lasting colors on silk fabric[1]. This study aims to offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes, which are known to pollute water bodies and harm aquatic life[2]. The study employed a central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology to optimize the dyeing process. Through 32 experimental runs, researchers found that the best color depth (K/S = 12.595) was achieved using MW-treated silk fabric. The optimal conditions included 65 mL of radiated aqueous extract at pH 5, with 1.5 g/100 mL sodium chloride, treated at 75°C for 45 minutes. Bio-mordants such as acacia (1%), pomegranate (2%), and pistachio (1.5%) extracts were used before dyeing. After dyeing, acacia (1.5%), pomegranate (1.5%), and pistachio (2%) extracts yielded strong, colorfast shades. Chemical mordants like Al3+ (1.5%), Fe2+ (2%), and tannic acid (1.5%) also showed good results before dyeing, while Al3+ (1%), Fe2+ (1.5%), and tannic acid (2%) were effective post-dyeing. The study builds on previous research that demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment in enhancing color strength on wool fabric using natural dyes[3]. The findings from the current study indicate that MW radiation significantly improves dye extraction from Amba Haldi rhizomes. This method not only boosts dye production but also ensures that the addition of appropriate chemical and biological mordants results in colorfastness ratings ranging from good to excellent. This research aligns with earlier studies that have highlighted the environmental hazards posed by synthetic textile dyes, which often fail to bind tightly to fabrics and are discharged into water bodies[2]. The continuous release of untreated wastewater from textile industries leads to significant environmental and health issues, including toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. By offering a sustainable and effective alternative, the use of natural dyes like Amba Haldi could mitigate these adverse effects. Moreover, the study complements other research efforts aimed at valorizing natural waste products for industrial applications. For instance, a cascade approach using microwave-assisted processes has been optimized to extract valuable fractions from lemon peel waste, yielding essential oils and pigments with antimicrobial properties[4]. These findings underscore the potential of using natural resources for sustainable industrial applications, aligning with the goals of the current study. In summary, the research conducted by Government College University Faisalabad demonstrates that natural dyes extracted from Amba Haldi can serve as a viable and eco-friendly alternative for dyeing silk fabrics. This method not only enhances color depth and fastness but also addresses the environmental concerns associated with synthetic dyes. By leveraging advanced techniques like MW radiation and bio-mordants, this study paves the way for more sustainable practices in the textile dyeing and finishing industries.

SustainabilityBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Green extraction and application of yellow natural curcumin colorant from Curcuma aromatica rhizomes for silk dyeing.

Published 6th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-63927-7


Related Studies

2) A critical review on the treatment of dye-containing wastewater: Ecotoxicological and health concerns of textile dyes and possible remediation approaches for environmental safety.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113160


3) Ultrasonic-assisted sustainable pollution free advanced method for isolation of colouring material from Amba Haldi (Curcuma aromatica) for wool dyeing.

https://doi.org/10.1177/00368504231188610


4) Optimisation of Sequential Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Essential Oil and Pigment from Lemon Peels Waste.

https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9101493



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