ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY ANTIBACTERIAL AND UV PROTECTIVE FINISH ON COTTON USING SYZYGIUM CUMINI (L.) LEAVES EXTRACT

The present study was conducted to develop antibacterial and UV protective cotton fabric by using plant extract. Syzygium cumini (L.) leaves extract was extracted through soxhlet method and was applied on cotton fabric by using pad dry cure process. Phytochemical analysis of S. cumini (L.) leaves extract indicated presence of tannin, flavonoids, saponin and phenols and exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria with zone of inhibition of (6.0 – 11.16 mm for B. subtilis and 4.83 -10.0 mm for S. aureus) and sun protective property with 23.91 – 25.01 SPF value at different concentrations. Cotton fabric finished with S. cumini (L.) leaves extract exhibited improvement in bacterial resistance with per cent reduction in the bacterial count of the finished fabric by 95.67% for S. aureus and 94.70% for B. subtilis as well as exhibited high UPF value (48.1), providing excellent protection when compared to untreated control fabric. It can be concluded that the S. cumini (L.) leaves extract contains medicinal potential and not only provides protection from environmental hazard but also safeguards the environment, prevents pollution and promotes eco-friendly textiles.