Evaluation of solanum tuberosum potato peel waste for use as an eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the potential use of potato peel extracts as antibacterial finishes for cotton fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Potato peels are abundant as waste and provide a natural, cheaper and sustainable alternative means of preventing the spread of bacterial infections on cotton fabric.
Design/methodology/approach
This research included the characterization of potato peel extracts, application of the extract onto cotton fabric and efficacy testing of the treated cotton fabric against bacteria. Phytochemical screening, agar well diffusion antibacterial test, minimum inhibitory concentration and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests were used to characterize the extract. Antibacterial efficacy of the treated fabric was determined qualitatively using the disc diffusion assay and quantitatively using the bacteria reduction test.
Findings
Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of several secondary metabolites including phenols and flavonoids. Antibacterial tests revealed a positive response in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 6.50 mm and 5.60 mm, respectively. Additional peaks on the FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of potato peel extract on the treated cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabrics showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli up to 20 washes.
Originality/value
This study introduced the application of potato peel extracts onto cotton fabrics and assessment of the antibacterial properties before and after washing. Results of this study suggest that potato peel extracts can be used as an organic eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was financially supported by the World Bank and Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) through the African Centre of Excellence II in Phytochemicals, Textile and Renewable Energy (ACEII-PTRE). Additional funding was received from the African German Network of Excellence (AGNES) through the “Programme Advocating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.” The authors are grateful for the technical assistance received from students and staff in laboratories at Moi University, Busitema University and University of the Western Cape, where the experiments were carried out.
Citation
Mpofu, N.S., Mwasiagi, J.I., Mecha, C.A. and Nganyi, E.O. (2023), "Evaluation of solanum tuberosum potato peel waste for use as an eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-05-2023-0052
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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