Some Significant Trends in The Antimicrobial Treatment of Silk

N Gokarneshan

doi:10.26717/bjstr.2020.25.004228

Abstract

The article provides some useful insights on recent trends in the antimicrobial treatment of silk. The antimicrobial activity of silk fabric pretreated with Moreinga oilfera and dyed with natural coloring matter extracted from madder using microwave heating methods, has been investigated. On the one hand the dyeability was enhanced and on the other the antimicrobial activity against certain types fungi and bacteria have revealed high inhibition percent than untreated samples. The microwave method of heating adopted proves to be more economical and ecofriendly in comparison with conventional techniques. An attempt has been made to produce an antibacterial and absorbable fixation screw by adding gentamicin to silk based materials. The objective has been to avoid removal of internal fixation devices after an orthopaedic surgery caused by implant associated infections and non absorbing materials that contributed to second surgical procedure. Alum mordanted and unmordanted silk fabrics have been dyed with green walnut shell. Improved antimicrobial effect has been observed on selected strains of bacteria.

Highlights

Some Significant Trends in The Antimicrobial Treatment of SilkK Sangeetha, S Umamageshwari, M Bhuvaneshwari, E Devaki, R Pragadeeswari, Christie Jenifer and N Gokarneshan*
Natural dyes have attracted attention during recent years [1,2]
Antimicrobial activity of silk fabric is tested in accordance to diffusion agents, test organisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger 1, 2,3 were used and the results indicate that the samples pretreated with Moreinga olefera seed extract exhibit higher inhibition percent than the untreated samples