Towards Versatile Protein Fabrics: UV Protection and Antimicrobial Property Dyeing with Centella Asiatica (L.) into Silk

Centella asiatica (CA) is known as a plant with therapeutic effect called Gotu Kola. In this study, silk was dyed using undried raw CA (CA-R) and dried CA (CA-D) extracts; the samples were evaluated for properties such as dyeability; fastness to light, perspiration, and washing; antimicrobial properties; and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Before and after dyeing, the sugar content and turbidity were measured to determine whether dyeing was efficient. It was confirmed that the dyeability and functionality of the CA-D-dyed samples were better than those of CA-R-dyed samples. For the fastness test, the fastness to light, at 4 or higher, was very good; furthermore, all the samples were in good condition for washing and perspiration, with grades ranging from 4 to 5. The UV-B protection value of the sample was 75 % higher than that of the undyed silk. The antimicrobial test showed that, in comparison to the original silk, silk dyed in the extracts exhibited 99.9 % better results, for concentrations above 5 µg/ml. Up to a concentration of 25 µg/ml, no significant decrease in cell viability was noted, indicating that the antimicrobial activity of CA-R is excellent.