Antimicrobial activity of wool fabric treated with curcumin

Curcumin, a common natural dye used for fabric and food colorations, was used as an antimicrobial finish due to its bactericidal properties on dyed textiles. A common dyeing process, either batch or continuous, could provide textiles with colour as well as antimicrobial properties. The relationship between the sorption of an interesting natural colorant onto wool and the antimicrobial ability of the dyed wool were investigated. Relations between the bacterial inhibition rate and curcumin concentration, and inhibition rate and KIS value were developed. Antimicrobial activity of wool fabric finished with curcumin can be predicted without antimicrobial testing based on the developed relationships. Durability of antimicrobial activity to laundering and to light is also discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.