Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Bio-inspired Polydopamine Surface Modification of Nanodiamonds and Its Reduction of Silver Nanoparticles
Published on: November 14, 2018
Polydopamine-modified interface improves the immobilization of natural bioactive-dye onto textile and enhances
Sondes Gargoubi1, Fatma Saghrouni2, Pascale Chevallier3
1Textile Engineering Laboratory-LGTex, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Dermatomycosis, such as candidiasis and mycosis among others, has emerged recently as the most frequent fungal infection worldwide. This disease is due to the skin's exposure to microorganisms that are able to pass through skin barrier defects. Therefore, textiles in direct contact with skin can serve as a source of contamination and fungus spread. In the current study, a sustainable and eco-friendly method for antifungal cotton finishing using Curcuma longa L extracted from rhizomes was investigated. To enhance the natural bioactive dye uptake and attachment, cellulosic cotton fibers were chemically modified using dopamine, a biocompatible molecule, leading to the deposition of a hydrophilic layer of polydopamine. The efficiency of the polydopamine coating on the cotton surface has been assessed by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy analyses, with the detection of nitrogen, and by water contact angle for the wettability enhancement. Furthermore, characterization of the modified samples confirms that the modification did not affect either the cellulosic fiber morphology or the mechanical properties. The dyeability and bioactive dye immobilization were then assessed by colorimetry. Finally, the effectiveness of the finished fabrics against Trichophyton (rubrum/mentagrophytes) and Candida albicans strains was evaluated and was shown to induce growth inhibition mainly on Candida albicans strains.
Insights
This study developed an eco-friendly antifungal cotton finish using Curcuma longa L and dopamine modification. The treated fabric showed significant growth inhibition against Candida albicans, offering a sustainable solution for fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Chemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- Dermatomycosis is a prevalent global fungal infection, often spread through contaminated textiles.
- Textiles in direct skin contact can act as reservoirs for fungal pathogens.
- Developing effective antifungal treatments for textiles is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a sustainable and eco-friendly antifungal finish for cotton textiles.
- To investigate the use of Curcuma longa L extract and dopamine modification for enhanced antifungal properties.
- To assess the efficacy of the modified cotton against common fungal strains.
Main Methods:
- Cellulosic cotton fibers were chemically modified with dopamine to create a polydopamine coating.
- Curcuma longa L extract was applied to the modified cotton for antifungal finishing.
- Surface characterization using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements.
- Antifungal activity was evaluated against Trichophyton and Candida albicans strains.
Main Results:
- Polydopamine coating enhanced hydrophilic properties and dye attachment without compromising fiber integrity.
- Colorimetry confirmed successful dyeability and immobilization of the bioactive dye.
- The finished cotton fabric demonstrated significant growth inhibition, particularly against Candida albicans.
Conclusions:
- A sustainable and effective antifungal cotton finish was successfully developed using natural dye and dopamine modification.
- The modified textile exhibits potential for reducing fungal contamination and spread.
- This approach offers a promising eco-friendly strategy for antifungal textile applications.

