Efficacy Assessment of Eco-Friendly Antimicrobial Finished Fabric Using Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Antimicrobial textiles have gained importance since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the close link between clothing, microbes and human hygiene. This study was designed to develop and assess the efficacy of an eco-friendly, cost-effective and naturally extracted antimicrobial finish for clothing intended to limit microbial growth.

Methodology: A true-experimental pre-test/post-test control-group design was used. Antimicrobial finishes were extracted from the leaves of Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma and Litchi chinensis and applied to 50/50 cotton/polyester fabric at 100% and 50% concentrations using the pad-dry-cure method, with a polyurethane binder for wash durability. Microbial presence before and after finishing, and after repeated laundering up to 25 washes, was assessed using the ASTM E2149 shake-flask method.

Findings: The finish resisted microbial growth at the 22-hour and 6-day readings and remained effective up to 25 washes. The combined finish from the three plant extracts produced a 95% reduction in microbes (17 of 18 treated samples), and one-way ANOVA confirmed a significant difference between treated and control samples (p = .04).

Conclusion: Naturally extracted finishes from A. indica, B. monosperma and L. chinensis offer a durable, eco-friendly and low-cost alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents, with potential application in healthcare, home furnishing and apparel textiles.