Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
05:40
Fabricating Cotton Analytical Devices
Published on: August 30, 2016
6.7K
Naturally colored cotton for wearable applications.
Marina Naoumkina1, Doug J Hinchliffe1, Gregory N Thyssen1
1Cotton Fiber Bioscience and Utilization Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southern Regional Research Center (SRRC), New Orleans, LA, United States.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|April 5, 2024
Summary
Naturally colored cotton (NCC) offers sustainable textiles by skipping harsh processing steps. This review explores pigment production in brown cotton and its potential for flame-retardant and UV-protective fabrics.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Textile Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Naturally colored cotton (NCC) presents an eco-friendly alternative to conventional cotton, reducing environmental impact by eliminating scouring, bleaching, and dyeing processes.
- NCC varieties exhibit natural resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors like salt and drought, making them suitable for organic farming.
- Cultivated NCC species (Gossypium hirsutum L.) provide a spectrum of fiber colors, from green to tan and brown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms underlying pigment production in brown cotton.
- To discuss challenges in breeding NCC with diverse colors and high fiber quality.
- To explore the potential of NCC for flame-retardant and UV-protective textile applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on pigment biosynthesis in brown cotton.
- Analysis of genetic and breeding strategies for NCC improvement.
- Examination of the properties of NCC fiber, including UV protection and thermal resistance.
Main Results:
- Brown cotton color is attributed to proanthocyanidins synthesized via the flavonoid pathway.
- NCC pigments provide excellent ultraviolet protection.
- Certain brown cotton varieties demonstrate superior thermal resistance, indicating potential for flame-retardant textiles.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pigment production pathways is crucial for breeding improved NCC varieties.
- NCC offers significant environmental benefits and unique functional properties for the textile industry.
- Further research into NCC breeding and application development can lead to more sustainable and high-performance textiles.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
2.2K
The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
2.2K
01:11Aryldiazonium Salts to Azo Dyes: Diazo Coupling
2.9K
The reaction of weakly electrophilic aryldiazonium (also called arenediazonium) salts with highly activated aromatic compounds leads to the formation of products with an —N=N— link, called an azo linkage. This reaction, presented in Figure 1, is known as diazo coupling and occurs without the loss of the nitrogen atoms of the aryldiazonium salt. Highly activated aromatic compounds such as phenols or arylamines favor the diazo coupling reaction. The coupling generally occurs at the...
2.9K
01:22PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
962
Donning PPE must be completed before contact with the patient. This process protects from infectious agents. The sequence and action included in each donning are critical, and the steps must be systematic to avoid exposure to pathogens. The institutional policy also needs to be followed while donning PPE. The pre-donning preparations are gathering equipment, inspecting the PPE equipment for tears, holes, or damage, removing jewelry, removing any garments below the elbows, and tying the hair...
962
01:10PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
905
The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.
905
01:19Pigmentation
2.4K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
2.4K
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
2.0K
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
2.0K