Natural Dyes Research Articles

EXPLORING KAMALAM FRUIT (HYLOCEREUS SPP.): CULTIVATION, NUTRITIONAL VALUE, AND HEALTH BENEFITS. A REVIEW

This review aims to cover the cultivation techniques, nutritional content, and health advantages of Kamalam fruit. Kamalam fruit plants exhibit remarkable adaptability and thrive in slightly heavy-textured soils. Typically, these plants are propagated through stem cuttings. After approximately 15–18 months of planting, flower buds emerge, taking about 28–30 days to bloom. Kamalam fruit is renowned for its nutritional richness, being a valuable source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. It contributes to fortifying the human immune system and is utilized in managing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, while also assisting in maintaining a healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional content of Kamalam fruit can fluctuate based on factors such as species, cultivation practices, geographic location, and harvest timing. Notably, the peel of Kamalam fruit shows significant potential as a natural dye. The number of commercial growers in various countries is steadily rising, driven by the attractive prices their products fetch in the market. At present, there is limited information available on the production aspects of Kamalam fruit. Research across different facets of cultivation and the health benefits of this fruit holds the promise of maximizing advantages for growers and consumers worldwide, thereby expanding the Kamalam fruit market.

Estonian blues: Natural dyes as enhancers of environmental, intergenerational and heritage bonds in fashion design education

This article investigates cultural sustainability through the case of the Ethno course, offered to students in the fashion design programme at the Estonian Academy of Arts. It discusses ways to enhance bonds with the environment, heritage and traditional knowledge in fashion design. Via narratives of traditional crafts and situated learning in a textile archive, the course focuses on contemporary craft applications within the various practices that compose fashion, with particular attention to local natural dyes. In this work, we discuss the structure of the course in one of its recent iterations focusing on blue-coloured pigments, its outcomes and possible implications to the field of fashion design practice and education. The findings build on both the final presented outcomes as well as students’ feedback analysed via open coding. The resulting works raise interest in a holistic approach to design concepts, reconnecting the students with nature and strengthening bonds with previous generations. They suggest that through historical narratives and hands-on engagement with nature, students developed a heightened awareness of personal and local heritage, as well as the natural environment of Estonia. In conclusion, the work discusses how this offering adds to the course’s legacy and looks into future developments in articulation with its present applications.

Natural dyes extracted from Ligustrum vulgare, Juniperus sabina, and Papaver rhoeas for novel DSSC applications

An effective extraction strategy has been devised to get natural dye sensitizers from Ligustrum vulgare fruit (M1), Juniperus sabina fruit (M6), and Papaver rhoeas petal (M9) to produce dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The power conversion efficiencies (PCE) achieved from the DSSCs with dyes extracted from Ligustrum vulgare fruit, Juniperus sabina fruit, and Papaver rhoeas petal are 0.48 %, 0.55 %, and 0.42 %, respectively. The improved photovoltaic efficiency of the DSSCs created using Juniperus sabina fruit can be primarily due to the notable increase in the open circuit voltage, which reached 0.66 V.

Identified benefits of community trees in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve

The tree species in the Martelu Purba Nature Reserve has been identified. There were 39 plant species from 27 families. Publication of the benefits of each tree species in Martelu Purba Nature Reserve has not been well done. The trees have good potential for further exploration to discover their real benefits for human welfare. This research aims to identify the benefits of the Martelu Purba Nature Reserve. The method used in this study was an exploratory method of tree species in the Ancient Martelu Nature Reserve, and then the benefit categories of each type were determined with reference to the book Indonesian Useful Plants by K. Heyne. Based on research results, the benefits of trees are classified into six categories: raw materials for medicines, food sources for humans and animals, trees to improve environmental conditions, heavy and light construction materials, natural dyes, and paper-making materials. Each type has more than one benefit. Around 35%, or 24 species, are used for consumption; as many as 29%, or 20 species, are used as medicinal plants and as building materials. 21%, or 14 species; besides that, there are tree species for which the local community uses the sap and Gamblea malayana (MRHend.) CBShang, Lowry & Frodin as a phytoremediation plant.

Craft in times of change: Making as a response to crisis

This issue features a range of articles that explore different cultural and environmental forms of sustainability in the face of crises, including climate change and conflict, revealing how craft reconnects and sustains us as humans. Within the theme of Place and cultural identity, Ana Nolasco discusses the significance of Madeira Island embroidery, by drawing upon interviews conducted during a six-year postdoctoral study across the Portuguese-speaking archipelagos. Neetu Singh and Vanshika Gupta’s Craft and Industry Report shines light on the craft of Mata Ni Pachedi, originated by the nomadic Vagahri community of Gujarat. The Remarkable Image, contributed by Prasanna P. and Asokan T., captures a skilled weaver as he contributes to the preservation of handloom crafts in Uraiyur. In ‘Estonian blues’, Julia Valle_Noronha and Piret Puppart explore how the use of natural dyes can positively impact education, society and the environment, through a case study of the ‘Ethno’ course at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Making as a response is prioritised by Tarja Kroger and Sirpa Kokko, who explore the crafting triggered in Finland by the war in Ukraine and the meanings attached to processes and artefacts encompassed within 40 writings. Niina Väänänen and Katja Vilhunen’s analyse surveyed Finnish hobbyists’ views on sustainable crafts, highlighting intangible influences on wellbeing, cultural and environmental responsibility. Valle-Noronha’s review of REPAIR, held at Aalto University, Finland as part of the PLATE2023 conference, reinforces the notion of responsive making within multiple product and service contexts. D Wood reviews the HOME/MAKING conference held at Concordia University in Montréal, Canada in May 2023, while Gemma Potter further explores our relationship with the domestic and familiar through her Portrait of the ceramicist Ingrid Murphy. Michelle Stephens reviews Interwoven: Exploring Materials and Structure (2022) by Maarit Saloainen, and Bogil Lee reviews A Philosophy of Textile: Between Practice and Theory (2020) by Catherine Dormor.

Inovasi Produk Herbal Telang Panjare Untuk Peluang Usaha Warga Kelurahan Gunung Anyar

The butterfly flower, usually call the Telang flower, is a type of plant that grows like beans and has purple leaves. Butterfly pea flowers contain anthocyanin compounds, so when used as a solvent, they produce a purple color in food products. The anthocyanin compounds used as natural dyes also have antioxidant properties, which function to ward off free radicals and prevent premature aging and degenerative diseases. In this activity, the community RW1 Gunung Anyar Village, especially the KSH Cadres, were accompanied and given counseling regarding the manufacture and benefits of Telang Panjare Syrup, which can be used as a business opportunity by developing innovative products that can increase the sales value of consumer herbal drinks and create new market share so that this product can become a sustainable business. Panjare Telang Syrup is a beverage product made from herbal ingredients made from Telang flowers, which have a characteristic blue color. Also, the blue color dissolves in water, so the packaging looks attractive. UPN's "veteran" East Java village development team saw a business opportunity and experimented with producing Terang He Panjare His syrup. This idea was finally implemented well in socialization activities with the theme "Business Management Strategies for MSMEs."

Cyanobacterial pigment adsorbed on TiO2 thin films

The rise in toxicity related to cyanobacterial bloom in freshwater is a current problem that perturbs the trophic chain and risks the ecosystems and human health. Currently, the use of biomass as a potential source of value-added bio-products is an important goal to be achieved in the scope of a sustainable bio-economy. Thus, taking advantage of such bacteria is needed. In the present work, we studied the use of cyanobacterial biomass coming from the Malambo swamp in Colombia as a source of Phycocyanobilin (C-PC) and Chlorophyll-a (Chla) which were used as natural pigments for TiO2 thin films. The concentration obtained of C-PC and Chla extracted were 215 μg/mL and 0.417 μg/mL, respectively. We modeled the natural dye adsorption kinetics on TiO2 thin films through three different models. The Langmuir model showed the best fitting, indicating that the pigment extracted from cyanobacterial biomass can sensitize thin TiO2 film through the formation of a monolayer. Furthermore, the TiO2 films present higher adsorption of C-PC (25.8 mg/g) than Chla (23.3 mg/g). Finally, the adsorption modes were assessed using periodic DFT approximations, which is a remarkable method for studying the structure and properties of solid materials. In terms of binding energies, it was found that the dye shows the strongest interaction with TiO2 through the titanium atom. Thus, the main contribution of this work is directed to explore in deep the natural dye adsorption on TiO2 from both experimental and computational point of view.

Biodiversity on some Natural Dye Yielding Plants in Thanjavur District

Biodiversity on some Natural Dye Yielding Plants in Thanjavur District

Milling Processing, Morphology, and Optical Characterization of Powders from Natural Pigments as a Potential Sensitizing Material for Optical Sensors and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) and optical fiber-based-sensors sensitized with organic dyes play a fundamental role in modern technology, particularly in the family of photovoltaic power generation devices and measurement of chemical variables. DSSC is low-cost, highly efficient, and easy to manufacture. Therefore, they are a suitable option for many engineering applications. This paper deals with natural pigment extraction (spirulina, carrots (beta-carotene), and beetroot) at different milling and temperature conditions. Nanoparticles were fabricated using an SPEX mill and a planetary ball mill. The particle size distribution, absorbance (UV-Vis), and powder morphology were obtained using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Herein, the optical characterization of modified TiO2 powder at different temperatures and milling conditions is performed. Results indicate that each natural dye is sensitive to operational temperature. In addition, the absorbance of the pigments is affected by milling conditions and particle size distribution. During SEM characterization, rounded particles were observed in the starting materials with average sizes of more than 15 microns in diameter until they were reduced to nanometer ranges close to 100 using SPEX milling. The observed absorption spectra range from 400 nm to 642 nm for spirulina. Moreover, the experimental results show that the intensity of the absorption peaks is affected by the temperature, which indicates a degradation of the dye. Therefore, different combinations of natural dyes will be feasible to improve the wide range of light absorption of the visible spectra and stability of DSSCs and optical fiber-based sensors.

Nanomaterial Mixed with Dyes to Make Solar Cell Concentrator

In the present work, different concentrations of natural dyes (pomegranate, saffron, black lemon) were prepared by solving (0.001,0.002,0.003) g from these dyes in 100ml of pure water. The preparation of different concentrations mixed with the nanomaterial (titanium oxide) at a rate of 0.9 grams per 100 ml of pure water, in addition to mixing it with polymer epoxy resin at a ratio of 2:1 to obtain a solid mold after leaving it for two days to dry, and four solar cells were placed on the four different of the blocks which manufacture as solar cell concentrator. The best value for the efficiency of the solar cell was found for the pomegranate dye with a concentration of 0.002 grams, which is (ƞ=1.232), while the efficiency of the solar cell without dye is (ƞ=0.500).

Tannin Extraction from Bark of Cinnamomum burmannii and Its Application for use as Natural Dye and as Antioxidant

Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii) contains tannins which have the potential to act as natural dyes. This research to synthesis natural dye from cinnamon bark extract (Cinnamomum burmannii). The research was carried out by making cinnamon bark extract with comparing the amount of solvent by maceration using 96% ethanol, calculating the yield, tannin analysis, FTIR analysis, and stability test color. The comparison of the amount of cinnamon bark extraction solvent affected the resulting yield. Testing the tannin compound with 1% gelatin reagent in 10% NaCl showed a white precipitate and 1% FeCl3 reagent produced a greenish-brown color so the extract was positive for tannin, analysis FTIR ratio 1:10 for the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C, C-O groups, ratio 1:15 for the presence of O-H, C-H, C=C, C-O group. The color stability test of cinnamon bark extract is more stable than Rhodamine-B. Based on the extraction results, it was concluded that cinnamon bark extract can be used as an alternative to natural dye in cosmetic products

Utilization of natural dyes extracted from mustard flower (Genus: Brassica, Species: Napus) as photosensitizer for DSSC: Experimental and computational studies

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are considered as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies, while exploring alternatives to traditional silicon-based solar cells. Dye sensitizer is a very important component of DSSC and the use of natural dyes in these cells is a promising development for this technology, as it has non-hazardous impact on the environment. This work reports the new natural dye extracted from Brassica Napus flower petals and used as sensitizer in TiO2 based DSSC. UV–Vis spectra showed the presence of carotenoid and flavonoid pigments along with broad absorption in dye loaded TiO2. FITR revealed functional groups in the Brassica Napus dye extract. Mass spectroscopy was used to find major constituents present in extract. With the natural Brassica Napus sensitizer and TiO2, photovoltaic performance results viz. conversion efficiency (ɳ%) 0.062, short circuit current density (Jsc) 0.45 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) 0.260 V and fill factor (FF) 0.52 were observed. Further, HOMO-LUMO levels of constituents present in Brassica Napus have been measured via CV measurements and compared with relative energetic obtained by computational studies. The transport characteristics revealed from EIS studies were used to rationalize the observed photo-voltaic performance of the DSSC.

Union Dyeing of Cotton-Silk Blended Woven Fabric Using Tanin Bio-mordant and Thyme as a Colourant

The study explores the application of tea leaf-extracted tannin as a bio-mordant and thyme extract as a natural dye on cationized silk-cotton blend fabric to enhance colour fastness and absorption. The colour strength and depth (shown as DL, Da, and Db values) on silk-cotton blend fabric were investigated in the CIE lab test. The results showed that temperature, shade percentage, and mordanting had a substantial impact on the dyeing process efficacy at DL = 30.61, Da = 11.49 and Db = 12.77. When the temperature was raised to 90 °C and the dye content was increased to 120%, the dyed sample's colour fastness (as measured by wash, rubbing, and perspiration) significantly improved, acquiring a grade of 4 to 5, which indicates good to excellent. There was a slight change in wet rubbing fastness from grade 3 to grade 4, indicating good to fair. The K/S values of the silk and cotton fibres, which ranged from 8.89 to 7.94 on average, respectively, demonstrated that the processes of bio-mordanting and cationization enhanced the absorption of dye. Tensile strength and extension increased in the weft direction to 22.19 N force and 5.21% extension at break, while the warp direction showed a fall to 6.63 N force and a rise in extension of 0.72%. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Amino (N-H) bonds, Carbohydrate bonds (CH), Tannins, and Terpenoid phytochemicals of thyme in the dyed sample. The study highlights the potential of thyme extract as a natural dye and its benefits in improving the dyeing properties of silk-cotton blend fabric.

Solvent selection for anthrocyanin dye extraction from Kigelia Africana and Hibiscus sabdariffa for dye sensitized solar cells

The main flavonoid pigment in the petals of Kigelia Africana and the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa is anthocyanin, responsible for the vibrant red, maroon, and purple hues in flowers. This pigment can modulate incident light on flowers, prompting its selection for detailed investigation. TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method, revealing the formation of nanorods and a single-phase rutile structure through FESEM and XRD analyses, respectively. The study aimed to assess the impact of various solvents on the extraction of natural dyes, which were subsequently sensitized on TiO2 photoanodes for DSSC applications. Four solvents-water, water with HCl, ethanol, and citric acid were employed to extract natural dyes from Kigelia Africana's petals and Hibiscus sabdariffa's calyx. Notably, dyes extracted with citric acid demonstrated promising results. The conversion efficiency of DSSCs fabricated with Kigelia Africana dye and Hibiscus sabdariffa dye, extracted using citric acid as the solvent, was found to be 0.87 % and 0.92 %, respectively. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Formulation and Evaluation of Natural Pigmented Lipstick from Roselle Flower and Secang Wood Extracts

Lipstick is a cosmetic product for the lips consisting of pigments, oils, waxes, and moisturizers. Natural lipstick is safe to use and contains natural nutrients to maintain lip health. The use of synthetic dyes in lipstick can have adverse effects on the skin and health; hence, the use of natural dyes from various natural sources needs to be considered. Secang wood and Rosella flowers are plants with important compound contents that have antioxidant properties. Secang wood contains brazilin, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenylpropane, and terpenoids. Meanwhile, Rosella flowers that grow in tropical areas have anthocyanin pigments as part of flavonoids that function as antioxidants. This research aims to determine the formulation of lipstick containing extracts of Secang wood and Rosella flowers and to test the antioxidant activity of the preparation. Extraction was carried out by maceration using 70% ethanol solvent. Then, a phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine the extract content, and a lipstick formula was made by comparing the ratio of Rosella and Secang extracts. The optimal formula selection was performed using the Simplex Lattice Design method with quality testing parameters, including pH, melting point, hardness, and antioxidant activity of the preparation. The data analysis showed that the optimal ratio of the two extracts was 2.5% and 7.5% for Rosella and Secang extracts, respectively. At this composition, the optimum pH value was 5, the melting point was 57˚C, the hardness was 1.87 seconds, and the antioxidant activity was classified as strong.

Characteristics of probiotic glutinous rice tapai with the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum 1 RN2-53 and some natural dyes

Tapai is a traditional Indonesian food usually made from cassava and glutinous rice. The study aims to determine natural dyes that produce the highest quality probiotic glutinous rice tapai. The study was conducted experimentally using a complete randomized design consisting of four treatments, and each treatment was repeated four times. The treatment in this study was the soaking of glutinous rice into natural dye extracts, namely red dragon fruit extract, purple sweet potato extract, and suji leaf extract, with different concentrations, namely 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using variance analysis and continued with Duncan's new multiple-range test (DNMRT) at a level of 5%.  The results showed that natural dye extracts with different concentrations have a noticeable influence on total lactic acid, alcohol content, total lactic acid bacteria, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics of color, aroma, taste, and hardness.  The soaking treatment in red dragon fruit extract and purple sweet potato extract with a concentration of 20% resulted in glutinous rice tapai, preferred by panelists. Furthermore, the characteristic pH value of 3.35-3.41, total lactic acid 0.61-0.70%, alcohol content 0.33-0.42%, total lactic acid bacteria 9.11-9.40 CFU/mL, and antioxidant activity 167.35-102.51 ppm.

Development of halochromic electrospun labels for non-invasive shelf life assessment of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Incorporation of barberry anthocyanin extract in protein-based smart packaging.

Using barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) as a natural dye in combination with electrospinning technology represents a promising approach for the development of intelligent packaging systems. In this study, the influence of different concentrations of zein (16, 18, and 20%) and barberry anthocyanin-rich powder (BARP) (16, 18, and 20%) on the surface tension and rheological properties of the solution were evaluated. The most favorable nanofibers (NFs) were obtained from a solution containing 18% (w/w) zein under constant voltage. The surface morphology, size, and color-changing properties of electrospun NFs derived from zein polymers containing different concentrations of BARP (16, 18, and 20%) under various electrical fields (20, 22, and 24 kV) were evaluated. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the interaction of BARP within the zein-based NFs. The results indicated that the concentration of BARP had a noticeable impact on the physicochemical properties of the NFs. Furthermore, efficacy of the appropriately fabricated halochromic label was evaluated for monitoring the packed rainbow trout fillet during refrigerated storage. On the 10th day, a noticeable visual color turned from pink to pale yellow was observed in response to pH variations. Additionally, the TVN value confirmed the effectiveness of halochromic electrospun labels for non-invasive assessment of fish fillet quality.

Blue-Green Horizons: Redefining Alginate Bioplastics with Spirulina Dyes

AbstractThis study introduces a novel, eco-friendly approach for the extraction and application of Spirulina (Sp.) pigments in alginate bioplastics, representing a significant advancement over traditional dyeing methods. The research explores a zero waste model process in a Fab Lab setting, involving three stages, liquid dye preparation, fibre dyeing, and bioplastic dyeing, with a focus on utilizing all by-products sustainably. In the liquid dye preparation phase, vibrant blue-green pigments were successfully extracted from Spirulina powder. The colour depth depended on the Spirulina concentration and the precipitation method used, with pH playing a critical role in achieving a range of green–blue hues. The fibre dyeing phase tested Spirulina dyes on various natural fibres, examining the impact of alum mordant pre-treatment on colour absorption and stability. Optimal dyeing results were obtained with a 1:1 ratio of Spirulina-filtered powder suspension to alum acid precipitation solution at a pH of 4. The techniques optimized were then applied to alginate bioplastics, including bio-yarns and bio-films, yielding a wide spectrum from green to blue. Bio-yarns showed better colour retention compared to bio-films, possibly due to residual alum. However, challenges in long-term colour stability and structural integrity against environmental factors like oxidation and humidity were observed. The study contributes valuable insights into the application of natural dyes in bioplastics, particularly in achieving blue and green shades with a Spirulina zero waste model. This work is significant for future sustainable material science research and emphasizes the importance of balancing aesthetic, functional, and environmental factors in circular design. Graphical Abstract

Sustaining Natural Dye Plants with Post-Consumer Textile Waste

Aligned with the circular economy framework, this study aims to address pertinent research gaps regarding material and chemical properties of clothing and suitability for closed-loop applications. Primary research questions include: (1) what are the material and chemical properties of post-consumer textile waste from a sustainable fashion take-back program; (2) which natural post-consumer textile waste is most suitable to support the growth of natural dye plants in a hydroponics system; and (3) can the use of post-consumer textile waste in a hydroponics system be scaled to support a circular fashion supply chain? This study focuses on wool, cotton, linen, silk, rayon, and Tencel® lyocell as substrates to nurture the growth of purple basil, a natural dye plant. Vertical hydroponics is a farming method that uses nutrient water to grow plants in place of soil throughout the year. The system can be indoors, making resourceful use of limited space available and the water is recirculated. Standard hydroponic substrates, like peat moss and rockwool, have good porosity for oxygen transport and suitable moisture holding capacity for nutrient delivery. In this study, we compared the performance of the standard hydroponic substrates with various textiles. The impact on water quality, color release, moisture wicking, stability against degradation, and survival rate of the plants was used to evaluate suitability in the application. Wool, silk, and Tencel lyocell demonstrated good durability in the hydroponic system, like peat moss and rockwool, during the first growth cycle. During the second growth cycle, protein fibers—wool and silk—supported plant survival at a greater capacity than Tencel lyocell. Future research can confirm that wool and silk can support the growth of natural dye plants with a larger sample size. This research aligns with several circular economy objectives and provides a model for future research to support circular fashion supply chains.

Effects of fused thiophene Π-bridge on the electronic and optical properties of modified theaflavin natural dye

ABSTRACT Natural dye sensitizers are substances that are sensitive to light colour and can be classified into several classes based on their chemical structure. Theaflavin pigments are unexplored natural dyes used as light sensitizers derived from black tea waste. However, the efficiency of natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is lower than that of synthetic ones. To increase the efficiency, an amine donor molecule, a thiophene bridge, and a cyanoacrylic acid anchoring group were added. This improvement was achieved by comparing the LHE values, absorption shifts towards the red spectrum, and electronic parameters before and after modification of the theaflavin structure. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a fused thiophene bridge on the colour pigment of theaflavin on the electronic and optical properties of DSSC. TDDFT was employed with the hybrid functional B3LYP and def2-SVP. The calculated results concluded that adding fused thiophene can shift the wavelength with a maximum value of 256 nm and an increase in LHE of 40%. The addition of five thiophenes can shift the absorption wavelength closer to the red spectrum and satisfy the electronic properties of the DSSC, and the number of electron donor and acceptor sites obeying the law of conservation of charge.