The Synergistic Activity of the Extracts from Mango and Tamarind Gum in Cotton Fabric Finishing

Abstract

This study focused on the development of antibacterial cotton fabric using natural bioactive agent as the extracts from mango (Mangifera indica L) seed. The cotton fabrics have been treated with the extracts from mango seed. Moreover, the tamarind gum fromTamarind indicaseed was used as an alternative natural mordant and compared with general chemical mordants (alum and ferrous sulfate) in order to search for eco-friendly process. Treated fabrics were tested for antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative rods. We have found that in terms of antibacterial activity, the treated fabrics combined with natural mordant were more effective against both tested bacteria. From the results, the tamarind gum could provide the synergic antibacterial activity when applied with the extracts from mango seed and obviously used as substitutes for toxic textile chemicals.