Search Results (9)

The increasing prevalence of microplastic (MP) pollution and the labor-intensive nature of existing identification methods necessitate improved large-scale detection approaches. Nile Red (NR) fluorescence, which varies with polarity, offers a potential classification method, but standardization of carrier solvents and fluorescence differentiation techniques remains lacking. This study evaluated eight NR-carrier solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, methanol, ethanol, acetone/hexane, acetone/ethanol, and acetone/water) across ten common MP polymers (HDPE, LDPE, PP, EPS, PS, PC, ABS, PVC, PET, and PA). Fluorescence intensity, Stokes shift, and solvent-induced polymer degradation were analyzed. The study also assessed HSV (Hue/Saturation/Value) color spaces for Stokes shift representation and MP differentiation. Fenton oxidation effectively quenched fluorescence in natural organic matter (e.g., eggshells, fingernails, wood, cotton) while preserving NR-stained MPs. Acetone/water [25% (v/v)] emerged as the optimal solvent, balancing fluorescence performance and minimal degradation. Full article

Liquid crystals based on dispersions of two-dimensional (2D) materials have recently been developed for light modulation, exhibiting superior performances compared to conventional organic liquid crystals in a variety of prototypical applications, including coloration, solar-blind communications and blue-light fluoresce. Among the diverse family of 2D liquid crystals, vermiculite-based liquid crystals stand out with advantages in low cost, ease of mass production and environmental sustainability, owing to the high natural abundance of the material. Here, we demonstrated magnetic-field tunable optics with 2D vermiculite dispersions prepared through a facile ‘exchange and redispersion’ method. By exploiting the intrinsic ion-exchange capability of clay minerals, we observed a significantly enhanced magneto-birefringence of the vermiculite dispersion upon replacing the native cations with magnetic ions, manifesting in a doubled Cotton–Mouton coefficient, representing the highest value among previous reports. Magnetization measurements reveal that there is a remarkable magnetic anisotropy in Fe ion-exchanged vermiculite samples in contrast to the isotropic magnetism of pristine vermiculite, which accounts for the observed enhancement of magneto-birefringence. Our findings demonstrate that ion exchange can serve as a simple and effective strategy to modulate the physical and chemical properties of 2D materials’ dispersions, thereby opening avenues for broader and more diverse applications. Full article

As people attempt to elude the environmental issues associated with synthetic dyes, interest in natural dyes has recently increased significantly. Oolong tea stems act as a common agricultural waste yet offer advantages like high production, low cost, and a stable supply. The objectives of this research are to investigate the potential utilization of oolong tea waste, specifically tea stems, as a natural dye source for the development of organic cotton fabrics with added health benefits. In this study, using the Kubelka–Munk (K/S) value as an indicator, the dyeing process was refined through response surface methodology (RSM) by investigating the pH of the dye solution, temperature, and duration. Accordingly, it was demonstrated that the optimal effect was achieved at a pH value of 7.9, a duration of 80 min, and a temperature of 90 °C. Furthermore, under these conditions, the color fastness and functional performance of dyed organic cotton were compared with and without chitosan as a mordant. The results showed that the organic cotton dyed with oolong tea stem extract not only had a good color fastness grade but also presented excellent antibacterial properties, ultraviolet protection properties, and oxidation resistance. Especially with the assistance of chitosan, the dyed fabric achieved excellent performance above grade 4 in all color fastness test items; moreover, its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus reached more than 90%, the ultraviolet protection coefficient reached 25.3, and the antioxidant activity exceeded 90%. Consequently, considering environmental concerns, natural dyes extracted from discarded oolong tea stems are promising substitutes for synthetic dyes in the textile sector. Full article

Intrinsically colored cotton is crucial for sustainability as it eliminates the need for chemical dyes, reducing water pollution and carbon footprint. It also preserves biodiversity by using fewer pesticides and supports eco-friendly, ethical product creation. This research aims to examine the factors that influence the color change that occurs in naturally colored organic cotton (NaCOC) fabrics when washed under normal household conditions, and it focuses on special detergents designed for people with skin hypersensitivity. The study observes the impact of various washing conditions on the color changes of the fabrics. Specifically, three specific detergents, two types of water (tap and distilled), and three different temperatures (20, 40, and 60 °C) are taken into consideration as variables. By using colorimetric measures and correlating the results with the significant variables of the experimental design, the study evaluates how washing practices affect both the color and the overall integrity of the fabric. The findings demonstrate that the water hardness is the most influential variable when it comes to the color changes in the fabrics. Additionally, higher washing temperatures exacerbate color changes, particularly in hard water conditions. These results provide valuable insights for maintaining the color integrity of NaCOC fabrics during washing. Full article

The present study aimed to explore the textile dyeing capability using dyes derived from grape pomace. Extractions were conducted with water at different pH levels and with a water/ethanol solution. Cotton (natural and cationized) and wool were employed in the dyeing process for varying durations (100 and 200 min). The colorimetric and fastness properties, in terms of washing (with hot and cold water) and exposure to natural light, were evaluated. The final color evaluation was performed using ΔE*, a parameter quantifying the magnitude of a color difference by comparing the L*a*b* color coordinates of the CIELAB system of the dyed samples with those of the control. The hues obtained on the fabrics resulted in uniform and earthy colors. However, the cationized cotton substrate showed the highest ΔE* values for all conditions used in obtaining grape pomace extracts, in the range of 33.91 to 37.98. This suggests that the surface treatment enhanced dye uptake, while organic cotton achieved a lighter earthy color. Natural dyeing using grape pomace presents a sustainable, ecological, and non-toxic alternative for textile dyeing, resulting in unique and earthy tones with commercial potential while promoting the sustainable use of natural resources and environmental preservation. The key to achieving sustainable development lies in waste reduction and valorization, along with the adoption of conscious consumption. Full article

The Rubia genus includes major groups of medicinal plants such as Rubia cordifolia, Rubia tinctorum, and Rubia akane. They contain anthraquinones (AQs), particularly alizarin and purpurin, which have pharmacological effects that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hemostatic, antibacterial, and more. Alizarin and purpurin have been utilized as natural dyes for cotton, silk, and wool fabrics since the dawn of time. These substances have been used in the cosmetics and food industries to color products. The amount of AQs in different Rubia species is minimal. In order to produce these compounds, researchers have established cell and organ cultures. Investigations have been conducted into numerous chemical and physical parameters that affect the biomass and accumulation of secondary metabolites in a cell, callus, hairy root, and adventitious root suspension cultures. This article offers numerous techniques and approaches used to produce biomass and secondary metabolites from the Rubia species. Additionally, it has been emphasized that cells can be grown in bioreactor cultures to produce AQs. Full article

The creative fashion industry produces several textile products that play an important role in the national economy. In various countries, this industry has continued to grow along with the strong flow of information technology and e-commerce. The development of textile products for fashion is very dynamic and competitive. Competition is not only about price, but also the quality of organic/synthetic materials, the comfort provided, and designs that change every 4–6 months. Recently, creative fashion not only relies on natural and synthetic polymer-made fibers but also biomass-based waste materials. Therefore, this study aims to manufacture textile products from biomass-based waste materials that can be applied to the creative fashion industry. Two types of raw materials from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), namely, whole-empty fruit bunches (WEFB) and stalk-empty fruit bunches (SEFB), are used as an excellent innovation of rayon viscose fiber (RVF), a noncotton organic yarn capable of providing a solution to the 99% import of global cotton needs. This is expected to increase competitiveness, as well as the added value of palm oil products and their derivatives. The process of manufacturing DP chemically includes prehydrolysis, cooking, bleaching to dissolve the lignin and noncellulosic materials as well as isolation to purify POEFB fiber. Furthermore, DP testing is carried out to determine product quality and compare it with the national product standards. The results show that the alpha-cellulose content reaches >94% with variations in the active alkali of 18%, 20% and 24%. This implies that the WEFB and SEFB are used to fulfill the first requirements of the national standard (SNI 938:2017). The WEFB with an active alkali variation of 24% meets the SNI standard for rayon pulp with a value of S₁₀ = 3.07 and S₁₈ = 7.14%, while all variations of SEFB show opposite results. The use of active alkali at 24% had a brighter color than between 18% and 20%. Additionally, the fiber density of WEFB appears to be higher than that of SEFB. These results correlate positively with DP prepared using 24% alkali as the optimum treatment for all products, as well as the morphological observations performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which shows that WEFB fixated fiber had a larger diameter than SEFB. Full article

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a COVID-19 pandemic accompanied by a series of mass lockdowns. Some of the consequences of these lockdowns were (1) psychological problems, (2) development of simultaneous activities in spaces not prepared for it, and (3) indoor spaces that generate negative emotions in people. To improve people’s mental health during times of lockdown, this research proposes a methodology to design positive interior environments through color, texture, objects, furniture, and equipment. For this, 147 qualitative surveys were carried out, the structure of which is based on research methods and tools inherited from marketing discipline (Likert Scale and Customer Satisfaction Score). Several operative graphs were created to make decisions on the design of interior environments. To avoid some of the problems caused by indoor environments during lockdowns it is recommended that users return to paying attention to the design of the interior spaces of their homes. Note that there is no standard solution to this problem, but a method to design interior environments based on people’s positive mental health such as the one presented here can help. The trends found in this work open a field of exploration towards the improvement of interior spaces through neutral colors, natural materials (cotton and wood) and objects with which emotional relationships are created, either with the objects (collections) or because they allow you to connect with other people (technology). It is considered necessary to continue with the research by expanding the sample to incorporate into the analysis the most vulnerable sectors of population during COVID-19 lockdowns. Full article

Polyploidy has the utmost importance in horticulture for the development of new ornamental varieties with desirable morphological traits referring to plant size and vigor, leaf thickness, larger flowers with thicker petals, intense color of leaves and flowers, long lasting flowers, compactness, dwarfness and restored fertility. Polyploidy may occur naturally due to the formation of unreduced gametes or can be artificially induced by doubling the number of chromosomes in somatic cells. Usually, natural polyploid plants are unavailable, so polyploidy is induced synthetically with the help of mitotic inhibitors. Colchicine is a widely used mitotic inhibitor for the induction of polyploidy in plants during their cell division by inhibiting the chromosome segregation. Different plant organs like seeds, apical meristems, flower buds, and roots can be used to induce polyploidy through many application methods such as dipping/soaking, dropping or cotton wool. Flow cytometry and chromosome counting, with an observation of morphological and physiological traits are routine procedures for the determination of ploidy level in plants. Full article