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Embedding the Bioactive Agent in Dye Structure for Development of Environmentally Sustainable Bioactive Textiles
Anum Nosheen1, Munir Ashraf2, Azam Ali3
1Functional Textiles Research Group, School of Engineering & Technology, National Textile University, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel dye for textiles that provides lasting antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The one-step process ensures durability and minimal release of active agents, creating sustainable bioactive fabrics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable bioactive textiles necessitates functionalization methods minimizing active agent release.
- Existing methods often involve multiple steps and may not ensure long-term efficacy or environmental safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel chloroxylenol-functionalized vinyl sulfone reactive dye for simultaneous coloration and biofunctionalization of cotton fabric.
- To evaluate the durability, bioactivity (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal), biocompatibility, UV protection, and dye release of the functionalized fabric.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of chloroxylenol-functionalized vinyl sulfone reactive dye.
- Application to cotton fabric via exhaust dyeing.
- Characterization using FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR.
- Evaluation of bioactivity, durability (after 20 laundering cycles), biocompatibility (MTT assay), UV protection (UPF), and dye release (UV-Vis of washing liquor).
Main Results:
- High dye exhaustion (95%) and fixation (91%) achieved.
- Excellent initial antibacterial (99.99% S. aureus, 94% E. coli), antiviral (87%), and antifungal (86%) activities.
- Durable bioactivity retained after 20 washes (96% S. aureus, 91% E. coli antibacterial).
- High UV protection (UPF 119) and negligible dye release observed.
- Acceptable biocompatibility with cell viability >80%.
Conclusions:
- A sustainable one-step strategy for producing durable multifunctional bioactive textiles was demonstrated.
- The novel dye offers simultaneous coloration, bioactivity, UV protection, and excellent colorfastness.
- Minimized active agent release contributes to environmental sustainability and product safety.
