Antibacterial activity of indigo dyed fabrics

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the antibacterial activity of 16 samples of indigo dyed fabrics that are produced and sold in Sakon Nakhon Province. Effect of moisture and pH of indigo dyed fabrics on bacterial growth were also determined. The result of the study shows inhibition of S. aureus TISTR 746 and E. coli TISTR 073 by agar diffusion plate test, all samples could inhibit Saureus TISTR 746 (accounted as 100%), and only 9 samples could inhibit E. coli TISTR 073 (accounted as 56.25%). Whereas, the study of antibacterial activity by AATCC test method 100-2004 at 24 hours was found that the natural indigo dyed fabrics code A3-1 could inhibit both bacterial strains in the highest level. The result also shows the effect of moisture and pH of indigo dyed fabrics on bacterial growth, it was found that the increased humidity levels of indigo dyed fabrics have effect on the reduction of the inhibition efficacy of both strains. While indigo dyed fabric with pH 3.0 was found to inhibit most of the growth of both strains. In addition, images obtained using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) could clearly confirm the property of indigo dyed fabric on inhibition of S. Aureus TISTR 746 and E. coli TISTR 073.