Introduction
Background:
Recently, there has been upsurge interest in the textile engineering all over the world for much demanding functionality of the products like wrinkle resistance, water repelling, fade resistance and resistance to microbial invasion. Among these, development of antimicrobial textile finish is highly indispensable and relevant since garments are in direct contact with human body (Asimi, Sahu & Pal, 2013).
Cotton fabrics provide ideal environment for microbial growth. Several challenges have been created for apparel researchers due to increasing global demand for textile products (Anthony, 2009). Therefore, textile finishes with added value particularly for medical cloths are greatly appreciated and there is an increasing demand on global scale. The consumers are aware of hygienic life style and there is a necessity of textile product with antimicrobial properties. However, due to their cost and synthetic in nature which creates environmental problems, natural dyes in textile coloration are gaining significant momentum (Lee et. al., 2009). This new line of interest is due to stringent environmental standards imposed by many countries due to the usage of synthetic materials which causes allergic reaction and toxicity. Greater interest has emerged in the field of textile technology using natural colorants, on account of their compatibility with deodorising properties (Lee et al 2009).
Comprehensive literature is available on natural dyes can be obtained from plants (Anthony and Dweck 2009). Many of plants used for dye extraction are classified as medicinal and some of these have recently been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity (Changaiah et al 2010). All of the naturally available dyes are environmentally friendly. Therefore, it is indispensible to need more investigation in the development of eco-friendly antibacterial agents extracted from plants for textile applications. The effect of various plant and animal extract on bacteria and fungi has been studied by number of researchers (Bhala, Dhandhania & Periyasamy, 2012).
Traditionally, the antimicrobial protection of textiles included many chemical substances, such as inorganic salts, phenols, antibiotics, iodine derivates, nitro compounds, formaldehyde derivatives, amines, etc. Unfortunately, the drawback of these compounds is their toxicities maintained by poor biodegradability, which is unacceptable from the point of view of current environmental and health protection legislation. It is for this reason the textile functionalization has been forced to involve natural non-toxic active substances in the technological process, which cause minimal or no side-effects to people and to the environment (Chengaiah et. al., 2010).
Among natural antimicrobial-acting polysaccharides, chitosan is very interesting due to its molecular structure, which allows for a whole range of modifications. The antimicrobial character of chitosan is mainly attributed to its amino groups, which in diluted acid solutions form ammonium salts, resulting in the destruction/death of microbes’ cells (Dai et. al., 2011).. Chitosan has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive, which means it can be explored within the textile industry as a safe natural new-age antimicrobial-acting compound (Kasiri & Safapour, 2014).
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae) has long been used as a condiment and folk medicine for long days. The rhizome of turmeric contains curcuminoid compounds, turmeric oil, oleoresin and other components. Turmeric is an essential oil commonly used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications due to its antimicrobial (Kavitha et. al., 2007).
Although certain natural antibacterial agents are available at present, only few studies have been explored for their antibacterial activity on textile materials and also requires progressive and consolidated data on antimicrobial finished product of textiles particularly in the preparation of medical cloths (Lawhavinit, Kongkathip & Kongkathip, 2010).
In this study turmeric and chitosan is used as anti-microbial agent. There is several advantage of using turmeric as anti-microbial. It contains properties such as antioxidant and anti-filamentary properties curcumin posse not only chemo preventive but also anti-cancer activities.
Statement of the problem:
Microorganism growth is factor that has resulted in development of antimicrobial finish. Microbial infestation poses danger to both living and non-living matters. Microorganisms cause with textile raw materials and processing chemicals, wet processes in the mills, roll or bulk goods in storage, finished goods in storage and transport, and goods as the consumer uses them. Obnoxious smell form the inner garments such as socks, spread of diseases, staining and degradation of textiles are some of the detrimental effects of bad microbes. The consumers are now increasingly aware of the hygienic life style and there is a necessity and expectation for a wide range of textile products finished with antimicrobial properties
Infection by microbes cause cross infection by pathogen and developments of odor where the fabric is worn next to skin In addition, the staining and loss of the performanceproperties of textile substrates are the results of microbial attack.
Clothing and textile materials are good media for growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
Objectives
General objective:
1. The main objective of the project is to develop antimicrobial effect using turmeric and chitosan.
Specific objectives:
1. Coat by the turmeric and chitosan with different proportion on cotton fabric and to develop antibacterial fabric for medical end use.
2. To test the antimicrobial effect on coated fabrics.
Significant of study:
1. To decrease degradation of textiles and loss of the performance properties of textile substrates.
2. To make the process eco-friendly and hygienic.
Scope of study:
The scopes have been identified for this study in order to achieve the objective to this research, using turmeric and chitosan to coat the cotton fabric and to study its ant microbial properties.
Limitation:
Some common problems related with application of antimicrobial finishes are given as follows:
§ Stiff hand and fabric strength loss: This may be caused by the choice of binders and resins with controlled-release finishes.
§ Color change: This may occur due to inappropriate choice of antimicrobial finishes.
§ Selectivity: Some antimicrobial finishes are efficient against Gram-positive bacteria or Gram-negative bacteria, while others against fungi. A formulation that is mixture of several substances will be more effective for good all-round protection against microbes.
