Purpose This study aims to explore sustainable strategies for enhancing the stability of natural dyes through their encapsulation within inorganic matrices, with particular emphasis on structure–stability relationships governing degradation and performance. It addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic colorants in pigment-based industries such as textiles, packaging and cosmetics. Design/methodology/approach The paper systematically analyzes recent developments in the encapsulation of natural dyes using inorganic carriers such as mesoporous silica, metal oxides and hybrid nanostructures. A special focus is placed on practical physics-based characterization techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) and structural tools (FTIR/XRD), to assess photostability, thermal resistance and release behavior, with comparative evaluation of free versus encapsulated systems. Findings Encapsulation significantly improves the performance of natural dyes by protecting them against photodegradation, thermal decomposition and environmental leaching. Comparative studies reveal enhanced light–matter and heat–matter interaction control, leading to superior color durability and functional performance. Quantitative assessments further indicate measurable improvements in stability and reductions in ecotoxicological responses. The environmental profile of the encapsulated systems also shows reduced ecotoxicity in aqueous and soil media. Originality/value This work integrates materials science, applied physics and environmental chemistry to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on sustainable pigment design. It highlights how experimental physics techniques are critical for evaluating and optimizing dye–matrix interactions, providing a mechanism-oriented framework that links material structure to long-term stability and environmental performance, offering valuable insights for industrial and academic stakeholders seeking green pigment technologies.
Purpose Natural dyes and pigments make the market for the pharmaceutical, food and textile industries over various synthetic dyes due to their eco-friendly nature and impactful health benefits, as well as cosmeceutical importance. Since they are obtained from natural sources, they contribute to the upliftment of local biodiversity. Despite these advantages, natural pigments face various challenges in their colour fastness properties due to factors like photo-degradation, thermal degradation, microbial degradation, pH sensitivity, oxidation, harvesting or growing conditions and also the shortcomings of the ancient extraction methods. The purpose of this paper would be to evaluate the stability challenges of natural pigments and illustrate the various methods and approaches to improve their stability. Design/methodology/approach This review describes the natural sources of various dyes and pigments and the common stability issues and the factors causing them. Furthermore, the present work enlightens the techniques that stabilize the colour fastness properties and improve colour stability, including co-pigmentation, complex formation, microencapsulation, addition of bio-mordant and antioxidants. Each of these techniques has been evaluated by diverse groups of scientists and applied for stabilization of natural source-based colours. Findings Among the techniques applied, use of nanotechnology, bio-mordanting and co-pigmentation has been found to improve the stability of pigments significantly. Future studies on the application of such methods and the commercial production of pigments may be required. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this review work focusing on techniques to improve the stability of naturally sourced pigments has been presented for the first time. It compiles and compares all the novel techniques to improve the stability of natural pigments and thus is significantly beneficial for researchers in this field.
Purpose The rising demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable dyes for textile coloring has led to a resurgence in the use of natural dyes. Nevertheless, optimizing the condition of natural dyes for application on cotton remains a challenge. This study aims to identify the effects of dyeing parameters on the properties of naturally dyed cotton. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, a natural dye was extracted from prickly pear fruits using an aqueous method. The cotton fabric was cationized with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride to facilitate the dyeing process without using any auxiliaries. The effects of the dye bath pH, dye concentration and dyeing temperature were established experimentally. Findings It was observed that color strength (K/S) values decrease with the increase in dyeing temperature. However, good colorfastness properties, ultraviolet protection factor and K/S were obtained at low dyeing temperatures. Originality/value This research presents a sustainable natural dyeing process using a cationizing agent, achieving good fastness and K/S properties without the need for auxiliaries and at low temperatures.
Purpose Owing to increasing environmental regulations and growing concerns about the harmful byproducts generated by the textile industry, it is essential to highlight the significance of adopting sustainable materials in dyeing and printing processes that involve commercial binders. Design/methodology/approach This study investigated the development of binders derived from renewable resources, named palm oil using as a sustainable option compared to commercial products. Four binders with varying palm oil mount of 50% (B1), 55% (B2), 60% (B3) and 65% (B4) w/w have been designed using two stages, alcoholysis and polyesterification reactions. These binders offer an economical printing solution that is compatible with both natural and synthetic fabrics, while enhancing the quality and performance of printed textiles. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainability in the textile industry and complies with relevant environmental regulations. Furthermore, the use of these produced binders can significantly improve the performance metrics of printed fabrics, thereby boosting customer satisfaction and enhancing market competitiveness. Alkyd resins with unique attributes and reactive characteristics are formulated and characterized solely from commercially accessible renewable resources. Findings The results indicated that using normal heating (NH) does not facilitate alcoholysis and polyestrification when a low quantity of oil is present, resulting in no formation of alkyd resin. In contrast, with a larger amount of oil, these processes were observed but required an extended time. Microwave irradiation (MW) enabled the reaction to complete within a few seconds, whereas conductive heating necessitated a longer duration, spanning several hours. The size of the synthesized binder particles varied with oil content, ranging from 8.26–7.31, 0.15–0.14, 0.05–0.04 and 0.40–0.20 for B1, B2, B3 and B4, respectively. While the nano size cannot be achieved when applying NH. In addition, prints created using microwave fixation demonstrated enhanced color strength, fastness characteristics and surface morphology compared to those made with traditional steaming fixation techniques. Research limitations/implications There are no research limitations for this work. Binder was synthesized from a renewable resource, namely, palm oil, by applying MW to save energy, water, chemicals and time. Practical implications This work has practical applications for textile coloration. It is concluded that using a different amount of palm oil by applying MW as an alternative heating source makes the process greener. Social implications Socially, the synthesized binder has a positive social impact on the ecosystem and global community as it does not contain any carcinogenic materials. Originality/value The work is original and contains value-added products for the textile printing and other confederate fields.
Purpose This study aims to clarify the relationship and establish a theoretical framework of covalent adaptive networks (CANs), which enable thermosetting epoxies to have excellent self-healing properties, facilitating their recyclability.Design/methodology/approach A scaling model was developed to describe CANs' viscoelastic behavior in thermosetting epoxies. A relaxation time function was built to characterize CAN chemical kinetics (linked to network reorganization-induced topological and viscoelastic transitions), an extended Maxwell model derived the self-healed CAN's stress-strain relationship, and model predictions were validated with experimental data.Findings The scaling model was successfully established and verified; it clarified how molecular chemical kinetics regulate CANs' self-healing performance. The model's applicability under complex conditions (e.g. extreme temperature, humidity) and to different types of thermosetting epoxies/CANs requires further exploration.Originality/value This paper provides a fundamental framework for optimizing CANs' molecular structure and viscoelastic properties, thereby enhancing thermosetting epoxies' self-healing efficiency and recyclability and promotes the development of recyclable polymer materials, aligning with green development and circular economy concepts, and reducing environmental pressure from polymer waste, which fills the research gap in relevant scaling models, offering new theoretical support for designing self-healing thermosetting epoxies.
Purpose This study aims to present the preparation of new paint formulations based on oil-based polymers, such as modified poly(ester-amide) (PEA) and alkyd resins, for steel protection.Design/methodology/approach New modified PEA and alkyd compositions were synthesized using a dicarboxylic acid source, following the authors' previous work. The resins were evaluated as binders in primer formulations. Coatings (105 +/- 5 & micro;m thickness) were brush-applied on mild steel panels and tested per international ASTM standards for physico-mechanical properties, chemical resistance and corrosion performance.Findings The tests revealed that when the modified PEA and alkyd resins were incorporated into primer formulations, corrosion resistance, physico-mechanical properties and chemical resistance were all enhanced.Originality/value Modified PEA and alkyd resins are cheaper and can be used to replace other, more expensive binders. The main advantage of these binders is that they combine the properties of both polyester and polyamide resins based on nitrogenous compounds.
Purpose This study aims to develop gamma radiation-curable coatings based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene, with and without nanoclay reinforcement, and to evaluate their chemical, mechanical and corrosion resistance properties.Design/methodology/approach GMA/styrene copolymers were synthesized via gamma irradiation at varying doses (4-15 kGy for pre-curing and up to 80 kGy for final curing). Nanoclay was incorporated at different loadings to enhance coating performance. The resulting films were applied to wood and steel substrates and evaluated for chemical resistance (ASTM D5402, D4752), corrosion resistance (ASTM D1308), gloss (ASTM D523), adhesion (ASTM D3359) and scratch resistance (ASTM D5178).Findings Gamma irradiation significantly improved crosslinking, leading to enhanced mechanical strength, surface gloss and resistance to solvents and acids. Optimal performance was observed at doses between 40-50 kGy. Nanoclay reinforcement further enhanced barrier properties, adhesion and resistance to chemical and corrosive agents, especially in acidic environments.Originality/value This research introduces an environmentally friendly, solvent-free radiation curing approach for high-performance GMA/styrene coatings. The study demonstrates the synergistic effect of gamma irradiation and nanoclay incorporation, making the system suitable for protective coatings in industrial and wood surface applications.
Purpose This study aims to bridge the persistent lab-to-bulk reproducibility gap in polyester thread dyeing with disperse dyes by developing a systematic, closed-loop optimization approach. The research focuses on achieving right-first-time (RFT) dyeing results at the industrial scale, minimizing shade variation between laboratory and bulk production and reducing resource-intensive reprocessing cycles. The overarching goal is to enhance process accuracy, sustainability and production efficiency in synthetic fiber coloration, thereby addressing both technical and environmental challenges associated with scale-up operations in the sewing thread industry. Design/methodology/approach To achieve RFT production by aligning laboratory and bulk dyeing parameters, five experimental models were conducted. Models 1 and 2 aligned spectrophotometric recipes at lab and bulk scales, with Model 2 enhancing lab-bulk matching via bulk dyeing time adjustment (30-45 min). In Model 3, auxiliary chemical concentrations were adjusted to avoid dye migration and shade variation. In Model 4, the effect of liquor ratios (LRs) (1:20-1:50) was observed on yellow, navy and brown colors. Model 5 integrated all previous optimizations, finalizing optimal LRs (1:30 for yellow, 1:40 for navy and 1:50 for brown) and extending the study to different polyester thread counts (30/2, 50/2, 54/3 and 30/4). The dyeing performance of different experimental models was evaluated through CMC Delta E values (<1) and color fastness assessments for crocking, washing and bleaching. Findings The developed optimization protocol effectively minimized color variation between lab and bulk dyeing, demonstrating excellent shade reproducibility, by achieving CMC Delta E values below 1 across all tested polyester thread counts and a peak color strength of 101.54%. Fastness ratings for various tests remained at or above Grade 4, indicating strong color durability. The protocol lowered reprocessing frequency by 15%-20%, which translated to an 8%-12% reduction in production costs due to decreased dye consumption, energy use and machine time. This approach enhances RFT performance and offers a practical, cost-effective method that improves productivity and lessens the environmental impact of large-scale dyeing operations. Originality/value This research presents a closed-loop optimization framework for translating laboratory dyeing parameters to industrial processes, emphasizing sustainability. It utilizes data-driven parameter tuning to improve shade consistency and resource efficiency, offering a practical solution for the polyester thread dyeing industry to enhance performance, reduce waste and minimize environmental impact during scale-up, thereby contributing to sustainable practices in synthetic textile manufacturing.
Purpose The purpose of the study is to synthesize the thio-containing furan-imine-diol monomer using biomass-based 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and thiosemicarbazide. Design/methodology/approach A biomass-based furan-imine diol was prepared by reacting 5-HMF and thiosemicarbazide in a 2:1 molar ratio. The structural modification of the prepared diol was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), H1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) spectroscopic techniques. The resulting diol is then subjected to a reaction with various diisocyanates to yield a series of bio-based urethanes. The chemical modification of the prepared urethane was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, the thermal behavior was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Furthermore, the crystallinity of urethanes was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Findings The prepared urethanes were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, which showed the complete disappearance of -NCO stretching and formation of urethanes. The thermal behavior of urethanes showed a three-stage degradation and exhibited good thermal stability. The XRD study represented the semi-crystalline behavior with diffraction peaks around 20° for all the urethanes. Research limitations/implications In this experimental task, molecular weight determination was not performed due to eluent limitation in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as well as intrinsic viscosity measurements. Characterization like molecular weight and viscosity of polymer required for the certainlty of polymer formation. Originality/value This study utilizes a bio-based 5-HMF component and petrochemical-based thiosemicarbazide for developing thio-containing furan-imine-diol and its urethanes.
Purpose This study aims to develop a sustainable route for the upcycling of aluminium and nylon waste into high-performance metal-polymer composites. The work focuses on evaluating the mechanical, tribological and thermal behaviour of a nylon–reinforced aluminium composite fabricated through a conventional casting technique. Design/methodology/approach A composite containing 20% nylon and rest aluminium by weight was fabricated using the melt-casting process. The material was characterised for its tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, tribological performance and thermal stability. Microstructural analysis was performed to study the dispersion and interfacial interaction between aluminium and nylon phases. Findings The fabricated composite exhibited improvements in impact strength (21%), coefficient of friction (23%) and wear resistance (39%) compared to pure aluminium, while slight reductions were observed in tensile strength (approximately 3.4%) and hardness (approximately 10%). The composite achieved a weight reduction of 16.1% and cost savings between 31% and 54%. Microstructural observations confirmed uniform nylon dispersion within the aluminium matrix, resulting in enhanced tribo-mechanical performance. The thermal stability of the composite was marginally lower than that of pure aluminium. Originality/value This work introduces a novel and sustainable approach for recycling aluminium and nylon waste into hybrid metal–polymer composites with improved performance-to-weight and cost ratios. The developed composite demonstrates potential for structural and functional applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, owing to its lightweight nature, reduced friction, wear resistance and economic feasibility.
PurposeLife cycle assessment was used to compare and analyze the impact of the commonly used labels (PP/glassine and PP/PET), so as to provide certain suggestions for the development of green packaging.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, SimaPro software was used to calculate and analyze the whole life cycle of labels from the stage of raw materials, processing and waste disposal.FindingsTwelve environmental categories were used to quantitatively analyze the environmental impact of the two different labels. The results show that the impact of the production stage on the environment is greater than that of the material stage, and the least impact is seen in final disposal stage.Research limitations/implicationsDuring the post-processing stage of this study, PET was set for incineration, and glassine was 100% recycled.Practical implicationsGreen packaging is the development trend of the future packaging, and follows the principle of 3R1D. According to the calculation results, corresponding suggestions can be put forward from production, processing, use, waste and other aspects, and make corresponding contributions to the development of green packaging.Originality/valueThe contribution and impact of each stage of the product on the environment can be studied. The environmental impact can be reduced through different solutions such as the use of green materials, good processing techniques and higher recycling rates.
Purpose - The performance and longevity of concrete structures are significantly compromised by prolonged exposure to harsh environments. Photocatalytic coatings represent a promising protective strategy, but their effectiveness is constrained by the inherent limitations of single-mechanism catalysis, specifically insufficient stability and the rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. To address these challenges, this study aims to develop an efficient and durable cement-based functional coating based on BaTiO3/Bi2O3 heterojunction, elucidate the underlying synergistic piezo-photocatalytic mechanism and demonstrate its practical application for degrading organic pollutants. Design/methodology/approach - BaTiO3/Bi2O3 nanomaterials with different molar ratios were synthesized via high-temperature calcination. Their structural, optical and piezo-photocatalytic properties were systematically investigated. Subsequently, the optimized nanomaterial was then incorporated into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix and applied as a coating on cement-based substrates. The coating's performance and durability were evaluated under simulated environmental conditions. Findings - The construction of BaTiO3/Bi2O3 heterojunction significantly broadens the light response range, with the optimal BaTiO3/Bi2O3-1:1 exhibiting a narrowed bandgap of 2.57 eV. At the same time, the synergistic effect of piezoelectric effect and photocatalysis makes the degradation rate of methylene blue of nanomaterials 1.99 times higher than that of pure Bi2O3. Subsequently, polydimethylsiloxane-based coating incorporating the optimized BaTiO3/Bi(2)O3-1:1 demonstrates excellent performance, including 92.2% MB degradation within 100 min, robust cyclic stability retaining 85% efficiency after five consecutive cycles and no signs of corrosion after 90 days of seawater immersion. Originality/value - This study presents the demonstration of integrating piezo-photocatalytic BaTiO3/Bi2O3 heterojunction into a cement-based coating. It provides a practical, highly stable coating solution with exceptional long-term durability in harsh environments, which offers significant theoretical and technical support for the development of advanced intelligent protective coatings for sustainable infrastructure.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and characterize magnesium oxide (MgO) nanomaterials by direct heating method and to investigate the photocatalytic performance of MgO in degradation of methylene blue dye (MB).Design/methodology/approachThe synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanomaterials using conventional methods, such as chemical vapor deposition and hydrothermal techniques, usually requires a long duration (in hours), incurs expensive equipment or consumes a large amount of electrical energy. Improving the conventional methods for synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials, a direct heating technique can be a simpler alternative. Findings Owing to the direct heating of the precursor solution and minimal heat loss to the environment, rapid synthesis (<1 h) and low power consumption (<100 Wh) can be achieved with the DH technique. In this study, MgO nanomaterials were successfully grown on Kanthal wires using the DH technique. The optimized synthesis conditions for producing the MgO nanomaterials were 50 W for 45 min. MgO possesses a length of 67.10 +/- 15.36 nm, and diameter of 8.98 +/- 3.22 nm with a good surface coverage of 92.05%. The MgO nanomaterials grown on the Kanthal wires achieved removal efficiency of 34.53% in removing methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light. The scavenger test suggested that the main reactive species involved in the degradation of MB dye were h + and center dot OH. Originality/valueThis paper provides brief information about the new direct heating method which low cost and rapid synthesis in preparation for MgO nanomaterials with the aim that MgO is capable to function as photocatalyst in degradation of MB dye.
PurposeThis study aims to investigate the development of sustainable composites reinforced with walnut shell particles for additive manufacturing applications. The primary goal is to evaluate the influence of different walnut shell concentrations on the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength and hardness.Design/methodology/approachComposites were fabricated using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) system. Mechanical characterization was performed through Shore-D hardness, tensile and three-point bending tests, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to examine structural, thermal and morphological characteristics.FindingsThe incorporation of walnut shell particles enhanced the mechanical performance of the matrix, with the optimal reinforcement observed at 1.0 Wt.% walnut shell content. At higher concentrations (1.5 Wt.% and 2.0 Wt.%), particle agglomeration and poor dispersion led to reduced mechanical performance. The Shore-D hardness increased progressively with reinforcement content, indicating improved surface rigidity.Originality/valueThis research highlights the potential of walnut shells, an eco-friendly agricultural by-product, as a sustainable reinforcement material for composites. The use of DLP as an additive manufacturing technique provides a precise and resource-efficient method for composite production, aligning with global efforts toward sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is development of a novel hybrid polymer emulsion through graft copolymerization onto hyperbranched alkyd using monomers like vinyl acetate (VAM) and vinyl ester of versatic acid 10 (VeoVa 10) combination followed by emulsification of modified alkyd in water and use of such hybrid emulsion in paint formulation to improve the performance of coating film against conventional acrylic emulsion paint.Design/methodology/approachA hyperbranched alkyd was synthesized by condensation polymerization of vegetable fatty acid, polyol and polybasic acid followed by grafting of different combination of monomers to form hybrid resin system which on further emulsification form hybrid polymer emulsion. The performance of developed hybrid emulsion was evaluated by making paint and compared against traditional acrylic emulsion polymer as well as different grafted alkyd emulsion systems.FindingsThe performance of one of the prototypes alkyds grafted with VAM and VeoVa 10 monomer resulted in unique paint film properties like excellent gloss, gloss retention, hydrophobicity, resistance to salt spray, humidity and UV resistance.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, soya fatty acid, different polyols, di basic acid, di methylol propionic acid as chain extender have been used to prepare hyperbranched alkyd and monomers like VAM, VeoVa 10 as well as different acrylic monomers used for graft copolymerization onto hyperbranched alkyd and emulsification of such hybrid resin system was carried out by using nonionic emulsifier.Practical implicationsThe limitations of conventional acrylic emulsion paint with respect to inferior gloss, hydrophobicity, resistance to salt spray and humidity are improved by using such hybrid resin-based emulsion system.Originality/value VAM and VeoVa10 grafted hyperbranched alkyd-based hybrid emulsion have potential for use as binder for ecofriendly water-based coating for metal primer as well as topcoat in view of its' superior performance with respect to hydrophobicity, resistance to salt spray, humidity and UV resistance.
PurposeThe study aims to examine the structural, chemical and physical properties of paper samples subjected to artificial acid and thermal aging. The goal is to create aged paper for testing eco-friendly materials for the consolidation and deacidification of historical documents in future research.Design/methodology/approachThe samples were subjected to an accelerated aging cycle and analyzed using various techniques. These included visual assessment, stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine surface morphology, UV spectrophotometry for color changes, pH measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to measure paper crystallinity and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to study the chemical stability of the paper samples.FindingsThe study found that the paper samples showed signs of deterioration as a result of aging. Microscopic examination revealed alterations in surface texture and cellulose fibers. There were noticeable changes in color values and total color difference (Delta E), as well as a decrease in pH levels. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a reduction in cellulose crystallinity, while ATR-FTIR analysis showed changes in functional groups. Overall, the aging process affected the paper's physical and chemical characteristics, resulting in increased brittleness, weakness and acidity.Originality/valueThis research provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex aging behavior resulting from artificial acid and thermal aging cycles and helps identify important parameters and processes that can significantly improve methodologies for the optimal conservation of paper-based cultural heritage.
Purpose This study aims to investigate and optimize the anti-UV (ultraviolet) performance of dope-dyed ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric pretreated with atmospheric plasma and tannic acid, aiming to enhance UV blocking while maintaining sustainable processing. Design/methodology/approach UHMWPE fabric was pretreated by atmospheric plasma and tannic acid, followed by dope dyeing using a TiO2/PDMS-based dispersion system. Processing variables were optimized using response surface methodology. UV blocking efficiency, color strength, surface characteristics, thermal behavior and tensile properties were evaluated. Findings The optimized treatment significantly blocked UV transmission in both UVA and UVB regions compared with untreated fabric. Tensile testing showed that the breaking force was preserved or markedly improved, with the optimal condition exhibiting an increase of up to approximately 270%. A slight reduction (5%-10%) in yield and fracture times was observed under certain conditions, attributed to increased coating rigidity. Surface and chemical analyses confirmed effective coating deposition supporting enhanced UV-blocking efficiency. Research limitations/implications This study focused on laboratory-scale parameters; scale-up effects and long-term environmental aging require further evaluation. Practical implications The optimized, biodegradable, plasma-assisted treatment offers a sustainable route to UV-protective UHMWPE textiles with a reduced carbon footprint and waterless pretreatment. Originality/value This study demonstrates a novel integration of plasma, tannic acid and TiO2/PDMS dispersion for eco-friendly enhancement of UV resistance in high-performance polymer fabrics.
Purpose - The red pigment prodigiosin, produced by the bacterium Serratia marcescens, exhibits antimicrobial, anticancer and antifouling activities. This study aims to evaluate the anticancer effects of this pigment on skin cancer cells. Design/methodology/approach - MTT assay was used to assess the pigment's cytotoxicity against A-431 skin cancer cells and normal human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Furthermore, the pigment's ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells was investigated using flow cytometry. The expression levels of genes involved in the apoptosis and MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling pathways were assessed by real-time PCR. Findings - The pigment demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.010 mg/mL at 24 h and 0.002 mg/mL at 48 h, compared to significantly higher IC50 values for normal cells (0.175 mg/mL and 0.040 mg/mL, respectively). Flow cytometry revealed a marked reduction in viable cancer cells, from 95.08% in the control group to 66.4% in the treated group (p < 0.001). Early apoptotic cells increased from 0.58% to 16.6% and late apoptotic cells rose from 0.79% to 12.4% following treatment (p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis showed upregulation of apoptosis-related genes caspase-3 and caspase-8, while RAF-1 and ATF4 expression levels were significantly downregulated in cancer cells treated with the pigment (p < 0.05). Originality/value - In this study, prodigiosin has been found to exhibit cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing properties in A-431 skin cancer cells. The low toxicity of prodigiosin to normal cells can make it an attractive candidate for further therapeutic research.
PurposeThis study aims to prepare two synthesized hydrazones: 4,6-Bis(1-hydrazonoethyl) benzene-1,3-diol and 4,6-Bis(1-(furan-2-ylmethylene) hydrazono)ethyl) benzene-1,3-diol, nominated as Dye I and Dye II, respectively. The theoretically investigated hydrazones were applied as disperse dyes for polyester fabrics under different conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe study's primary objective was to improve dyeing parameters such as temperature, time, pH and shade. The theoretical study was carried out using the Gaussian 09W software package and DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. DFT is used for calculating ground state and global reactivity descriptors to illustrate the dyeing process. Also, the authors studied non-linear optical (NLO) properties of the two dispersed dyes.FindingsThe results showed that synthetic hydrazone dyes showed promising NLO properties, efficient dyeing and color strength (K/S) on polyester fabrics. A good agreement between theoretical expectations and experimental study was obtained. Depending on the coupler moieties at a shade of 3%, the colored polyester samples showed a range of colors from beige to dark brown.Originality/valueSynthetic disperse dyes are outstanding choices for adding a range of stable colors and excellent color strength to polyester fabrics.
PurposeThe growing environmental concerns and adverse effects of synthetic dyes have led to increasing interest in the use of nontoxic, eco-friendly natural dyes for textile coloration. This study aims to investigate the dyeing potential of a natural dye extracted from Mimusops elengi fruit, with the aim of providing a sustainable alternative for cotton fabrics.Design/methodology/approachAqueous and alkaline extracts were prepared and applied to cotton fabrics both with and without mordants. The dyed samples were evaluated in terms of color strength (K/S), CIE L *a*b* values, wash and rubbing fastness and bonding interactions between the dye and cellulose fibers.FindingsThe highest K/S value (2.265) was obtained using pomegranate peel as the biomordant. Wash fastness was evaluated using the grey scale, ranging from 4 (very good) to 4-5 (excellent), with fabrics dyed at pH 4 and treated with pomegranate peel showing superior results. The dyed fabrics exhibited bright colors with excellent wash and rubbing fastness, showcasing strong resistance to fading. Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which play a crucial role in dye-fabric bonding through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions, improving color retention and durability.Originality/valueBased on the findings, it can be concluded that the dye extracted from Mimusops elengi can be effectively used without the need for chemical mordants. This report highlights the use of Mimusops elengi fruit as a novel source of natural dye for textiles, providing a foundation for further investigations into its applications across various textile materials and dyeing conditions.
