Investigations on the Cytotoxicity, Neurotoxicity and Dyeing Performances of Natural Dye Extracted from Caulerpa lentillifera and Sargassum sp. Seaweeds

Abstract

Nowadays, the demand for natural dyes is increasing due to the fact that they are less toxic and more environmental friendly. In this study, natural dyes from C. lentillifera and Sargassum sp. seaweeds were extracted using boiling water extraction methods. Exhaustion dyeing was then performed on silk fabrics at 85°C for 60 minutes with simultaneous addition of mordant and dye in the dyebath. The dyed samples were then measured using spectrophotometer to analyse the L*a*b* values and K/S values of the shades obtained. The ability to withstand washing, perspiration, rubbing/crocking and light of the dyed fabric was compared. Cytotoxicity and neurotoxicity tests were performed on the natural dyes in the form of liquid and dyed silk fabrics. Primary cells from mouse embryonic cells and cell line from SH-SY5Y were used to investigate the cytotoxicity test. Neuro-like cells obtained from retinoic acid treated SH-SY5Y was used to conduct neurotoxicity test. MTS assay method was carried out to the entire cells to evaluate the toxicity of the dye. The results showed that the extracted dye is toxic free and the fastness properties of the dyed silk fabric gave ratings from good to excellent except light fastness which was rated as poor.