Search Results (865)

Almost 70 years after the surprise discovery of a cache of textile-wrapped relics inside an early 13th-century reliquary bust, the St Eustace head reliquary (accession number 1850,1127.1), four of the textile relic wrappings were analysed by combining multiband imaging and fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), as well as dye analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and fibre analysis by scanning electron microscopy—energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). In all cases, the use of silk was confirmed, in line with the idea that these precious textiles were purposefully chosen for reuse in a sacred setting. Additionally, dye analysis was able to point to the possible geographic origins of the textile fragments. For 1850,1127.1.a, a mixture of sappanwood (Biancaea sappan) and flavonoid yellow dyes was commensurate with a Chinese or Central Asian origin. Mediterranean origins were thought likely for 1850,1127.1.c and 1850,1127.1.f, from the mixture of kermes (Kermes vermilio) and cochineal (likely Porphyrophora sp.), found in the mauve band of the former, and the combination of weld (Reseda luteola), madder (Rubia tinctorum) and an indigoid dye found in the latter. Finally, the unusual combination of sappanwood, orchil and a yellow dye containing flavonoid glucuronides suggested a less straightforward origin for textile 1850,1127.1.g. The other textile fragments from the reliquary were only investigated using FORS without removing them from their Perspex glass mounts. Nonetheless, indications for the presence of insect-red anthraquinone dyes, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and an indigoid dye were obtained from some of these fragments. The study provides a window into the landscape of availability, use and re-use in sacred contexts of precious textiles in the 13th century and evidences the geographic reach of these silks, allowing a new perspective on the St Eustace head reliquary. Full article

Classical and modern methods are used to release curcumin by degrading the polysaccharides found in the turmeric powder matrix. Classical methods use chemicals as acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, CH₃COOH), oxidants (H₂O₂, kojic acid), and enzymes (amylase type) that can degrade amylose and amylopectin from starch. The modern applied methods consist of the degradation of the polysaccharides in the turmeric powder during eco-friendly processes assisted by ultrasound or microwaves. The extraction medium can consist of only water, water with a solvent, and/or an oxidizing agent. The presence of curcumin in turmeric powder is confirmed by FTIR analysis. The UV–VIS analysis of the extracts allows the determination of the efficiency of modern extraction processes. The release of curcumin from turmeric is highlighted quantitatively by colorimetric measurements for the obtained extracts, using a portable DataColor spectrophotometer. The comparison of the results leads to the conclusion that microwave-assisted extractions are the most effective. These extracts are able to dye many types of textile fibers: wool, cotton, hemp, silk, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, polyester, and cellulose acetate. CIELab and color strength (K/S) measurements indicate that the most intense yellow colors are obtained on polyacrylonitrile (b* = 86.32, K/S = 15.14) and on cellulose acetate (b* = 90.40, K/S = 14.17). Full article

Wastewater containing triphenylmethane dyes such as malachite green (MG), discharged by textile and food industries, poses significant carcinogenic risks and ecological hazards. Conventional physical adsorption methods fail to degrade these pollutants effectively. To address this challenge, we focused on two-dimensional SnSe₂ semiconductor materials. While their narrow bandgap and unique structure confer exceptional optoelectronic properties, prior research has predominantly emphasized heterojunction systems. We synthesized SnSe₂ with well-defined hexagonal plate-like structures via a one-step hydrothermal method by precisely controlling precursor ratios (Sn:Se = 1:2) and reaction temperatures (120–240 °C). Systematic investigations revealed that hydrothermal temperature modulates the van der Waals forces between crystal planes, enabling selective exposure of (001) and (011) facets, as confirmed by XRD, SEM, and XPS analyses, thereby influencing the exposure of specific crystal facets. Experiments demonstrated that pure SnSe₂ synthesized at 150 °C achieved complete degradation of MG (40 mg/L) within 60 min under visible light irradiation, exhibiting a reaction rate constant (k) of 0.099 min⁻¹. By regulating the exposure ratio of the active (001)/(011) facets, we demonstrate that crystal facet engineering directly optimizes carrier separation efficiency, thereby substantially enhancing the catalytic performance of standalone SnSe₂. This work proposes a novel strategy for designing noble-metal-free, high-efficiency standalone photocatalysts, providing crystal facet-dependent mechanistic insights for the targeted degradation of industrial dyes. Full article

The release of synthetic dyes into the environment through industrial wastewater represents a significant environmental concern. In this study, a hydrophobic cryogel, Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine), was synthesized and employed for the efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The cryogel exhibited a surface area of 6.834 m²/g and a water retention capacity of 218.6%. Adsorption experiments conducted under various conditions revealed a high adsorption capacity of 1304.6 mg/g for MB. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that adsorption occurs spontaneously and follows a monolayer adsorption model. The adsorption capacity increased with temperature and ionic strength, confirming that hydrophobic forces predominantly drive the interaction. Reusability tests showed that the cryogel maintained its adsorption efficiency over five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, with a desorption efficiency of up to 98%. These findings demonstrate that Poly(HEMA-MAPA) cryogel is a practical, reusable, and eco-friendly adsorbent for removing methylene blue, a common textile dye pollutant, from water systems. Full article

The interest in flexible and wearable electronics is increasing in both scientific research and in multiple industry sectors, such as medicine and healthcare, sports, and fashion. Thus, compatible power sources are needed to develop secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Traditional liquid electrolytes pose challenges in the development of textile-based electronics due to their potential for leakage, flammability, and limited flexibility. On the other hand, gel electrolytes offer solutions to these issues, making them suitable choices for these applications. There are several advantages to using gel electrolytes in textile-based electronics, namely higher safety, leak resistance, mechanical flexibility, improved interface compatibility, higher energy density, customizable properties, scalability, and easy integration into manufacturing processes. However, it is also essential to consider some challenges associated with these gels, such as lower conductivity and long-term stability. This review highlights the application of gel electrolytes to textile materials in various forms (e.g., fibers, yarns, woven, knit, and non-woven), along with the strategies for their integration and their resulting properties. While challenges remain in optimizing key parameters, the integration of gel electrolytes into textiles holds immense potential to enhance conductivity, flexibility, and energy storage, paving the way for advanced electronic textiles. Full article

Textile dye production requires significant amounts of water and chemicals, generating substantial wastewater, which places significant burdens on local environments and water resources. Bangladesh is a global textile dye hub, exporting primarily to the EU and the USA. This research explores Water Unequal Exchange (WUE), which arises when high-income countries (HIC) externalize water use and pollution from consumption and production to low-income countries (LIC), driving environmental degradation beyond their borders. To determine WUE, this paper measures wastewater, groundwater, and chemicals embedded in Bangladesh’s textile trade to the EU and USA between 2000 and 2023. This is based on the net weight of the top 18 textile imports from Bangladesh, provided by the UN Comtrade Database. This paper finds that 3,942,091 million liters of groundwater, 10,792,675 million grams of chemicals, and 2,860,420 million liters of wastewater are embedded in these textile imports. The prices per kg of textiles differ depending on product type, and the highest volume of textile product categories have the lowest price per kg. In conclusion, the textile trade from Bangladesh to the EU and the USA represents a case of WUE, where Bangladesh disproportionately internalizes resource over-extraction and environmental impacts from dye production for low economic gain. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are produced in large quantities during coffee brewing, contributing to environmental concerns. Additionally, cationic dyes from textile, paper, and leather wastewater pose a major pollution issue. This study explores SCG as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) dye. A novel comparison of SCG cleaning methods with warm water, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and ultrasound-induced cavitation (US) is presented. In addition, the chemical modifications of SCG using acetylation, acid (HNO₃), and base (KOH) treatment that have not been reported before are presented. ATR-FTIR confirmed the inclusion of functional groups, for example, the nitro group in SCG treated with HNO₃, and an increase in carboxylic groups in the samples treated with KOH and HNO₃. SEM analysis revealed a consistent porous texture across samples, with SCG-SFE, SCG-US, and SCG-HNO₃ showing smaller pores, and SCG-ASE displaying elongated cavities. Adsorption isotherm tests followed the Freundlich and Langmuir models, indicating favorable adsorption. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) varied among cleaning methods from 65.69 mg/g (warm water) to 93.32 mg/g (SFE). In contrast, in base- and acid-treated SCG, a three- to four-fold increase in adsorption capacity was observed, with q_max values of 171.60 mg/g and 270.64 mg/g, respectively. These findings demonstrate that SCG washed with warm water and chemically treated achieves adsorption capacities comparable to other biosorbents reported in the literature. Therefore, SCG represents a promising, low-cost, and sustainable material for removing cationic dyes from wastewater, contributing to waste valorization and environmental protection. Full article

This study investigates the catalytic potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using aqueous Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) extract for the degradation of toxic textile dyes, offering an eco-friendly solution to industrial wastewater treatment. The green-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated remarkable degradation efficiency (>94%) for multiple dyes, such as rhodamine B, methyl red, methyl orange, methylene blue, eosin yellow, and Eriochrome black T, in the presence of sodium borohydride. Optimization studies employing a one-factor-at-a-time approach revealed the critical influence of AgNPs and reductant concentration, temperature, and pH. Kinetic analysis confirmed pseudo-first-order degradation behavior. Reactive species scavenging experiments established that hydroxyl radicals and holes played dominant roles in the degradation mechanism. Notably, the AgNPs retained catalytic activity across eight reuse cycles with negligible performance loss, demonstrating strong potential for repeated application. Comparative analysis with data from the literature highlights the superior performance of C. citratus-derived AgNPs in terms of reaction rate and efficiency. This work underscores the value of plant-extract-mediated AgNPs synthesis not only for its environmental compatibility but also for its catalytic effectiveness. The study advances the practical applicability of green nanotechnology in wastewater remediation and supports its integration into sustainable industrial practices. Full article

Bacterial pigments have gained significant attention across multiple industries due to their natural hues and unique functional properties. Beyond coloration, some of these pigments exhibit antibacterial activity, making them particularly valuable in the textile industry as sustainable alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial treatments. Bacteria produce a vast array of pigments through diverse biosynthetic pathways, which reflect their metabolic adaptability and ecological roles. These pathways are influenced by environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and nutrient availability. Key pigments, including carotenoids, melanin, violacein, and prodigiosin, are synthesised through distinct mechanisms, often involving tightly regulated enzymatic reactions. For example, carotenoid biosynthesis relies on isoprenoid precursors, while melanin formation involves the oxidation of aromatic amino acids. Understanding these pathways provides insights into bacterial survival strategies, stress responses, and interactions with their environment. This review examines the dyeing potential of bacterial pigments on natural and synthetic fabrics, highlighting advancements in environmentally friendly extraction methods to minimise the ecological impact. Additionally, it explores safety, biocompatibility, and industrial challenges associated with bacterial pigment applications. Finally, future perspectives on integrating these pigments into various industries are discussed, emphasising their potential as bio-based solutions for sustainable and functional materials. Full article

Precise separation and antifouling capabilities are critical for the application of membrane separation technology. In this work, we developed a multiplayer layer-by-layer assembly strategy to sequentially deposit tannic acid (TA) and lysozyme (Lys) onto polyethersulfone/iron (PES/Fe) ultrafiltration membrane substrates, enabling the simple and efficient fabrication of a biofouling-resistant loose nanofiltration (LNF) membrane with superior dye/salt separation performance. This approach fully leverages the multifunctionality of TA by exploiting its coordination with Fe³⁺ and non-covalent interactions with Lys. The obtained PES/Fe-TA-Lys LNF membrane exhibits a pure water flux of 57.5 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹, along with exceptional dye rejection rates (98.3% for Congo Red (CR), 99.2% for Methyl Blue (MB), 98.4% for Eriochrome Black T (EBT), and 67.6% for Acid Orange 74 (AO74)) while maintaining minimal salt retention (8.2% for Na₂SO₄, 4.3% for MgSO₄, 3.5% for NaCl, and 2.4% for MgCl₂). The PES/Fe-TA-Lys LNF membrane also displays outstanding antifouling performance against bovine serum albumin (BSA), humic acid (HA), and CR, along with strong biofouling resistance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) via synergistic anti-adhesion and biofilm inhibiting effects. This work presents a novel and scalable approach to fabricating biofouling-resistant LNF membranes, offering great potential for dye/salt separation in textile wastewater treatment. Full article

This study examines the use of a1 mm-diameter tubular microreactor submerged in a temperature-controlled water bath to activate potassium persulfate (KPS) via thermal, Fe²⁺-catalyzed, and combined thermo-catalytic processes for degrading the persistent textile dye Safranin O (SO). The efficiency of these methods was evaluated under varying conditions, including KPS, dye, and Fe^2⁺ flow rates, solution pH, reactor length, and water matrix quality (deionized water, tap water, seawater, and secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (SEWWTP)) across bath temperatures of 30–80 °C. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis validated the results. Maximum dye conversion (up to 89%) occurred at 70 °C, with no improvement beyond this temperature, mainly due to radical-radical recombination. Longer reactors (2–6 m) enhanced conversion, though this effect diminished at higher temperatures due to efficient thermal activation. Increasing dye flow rates reduced removal efficiency, particularly above 50 °C, highlighting kinetic and mass transfer limitations. Persulfate flow rate increases improved conversion, but a plateau emerged at 80 °C. At lower temperatures (30–40 °C), Fe²⁺ addition significantly boosted SO conversion in deionized water. Between 40 and 50 °C, conversion rose from 30.27% (0 mM Fe²⁺) to 85.91% (0.2 mM Fe²⁺) at 50 °C. At higher temperatures (60–80 °C), conversion peaked at 70 °C for lower Fe²⁺ concentrations (100% for 0.01–0.05 mM Fe²⁺), but higher Fe²⁺ levels (0.1–0.2 mM) caused a decline above 60 °C, dropping to 68.44% for 0.2 mM Fe²⁺ at 80 °C. Deionized, tap, and mineral water showed similar performance, while river water, secondary effluent, and seawater inhibited SO conversion at lower temperatures (30–60 °C). At 70–80 °C, all matrices achieved efficiencies comparable to deionized water for both thermal and thermo-catalytic activation. The thermo-catalytic system achieved >50% TOC reduction, indicating significant organic matter mineralization. The results were comprehensively analyzed in relation to thermal and kinetic factors influencing the performance of continuous-flow reactors. Full article

The periodate/hydrogen peroxide (PI/H₂O₂) system is a recently developed advanced oxidation process (AOP) characterized by its rapid reaction kinetics, making it highly suitable for continuous-flow applications compared to conventional batch systems. Despite its potential, no prior studies have investigated its performance under flowing conditions. This work presents the first application of the PI/H₂O₂ process in a tubular microreactor, a promising technology for enhancing mass transfer and process efficiency. The degradation of textile dyes (specifically Basic Yellow 28 (BY28)) was systematically evaluated under various operating conditions, including reactant concentrations, flow rates, reactor length, and temperature. The results demonstrated that higher H₂O₂ flow rates, increased PI dosages, and moderate dye concentrations (25 µM) significantly improved degradation efficiency, achieving complete mineralization at 2 mM PI and H₂O₂ flow rates of 80–120 µL/s. Conversely, elevated temperatures negatively impacted the process performance. The influence of organic and inorganic constituents was also examined, revealing that surfactants (SDS, Triton X-100, Tween 20, and Tween 80) and organic compounds (sucrose and glucose) acted as strong hydroxyl radical scavengers, substantially inhibiting dye oxidation—particularly at higher concentrations, where nearly complete suppression was observed. Furthermore, the impact of water quality was assessed using different real matrices, including tap water, seawater, river water, and secondary effluents from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (SEWWTP). While tap water exhibited minimal inhibition, river water and SEWWTP significantly reduced process efficiency due to their high organic content competing with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite its high salt content, seawater remained a viable medium for dye degradation, suggesting that further optimization could enhance process performance in saline environments. Overall, this study highlights the feasibility of the PI/H₂O₂ process in continuous-flow microreactors and underscores the importance of considering competing organic and inorganic constituents in real wastewater applications. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing AOPs in industrial and municipal wastewater treatment systems. Full article

The need for sustainable and efficient water decontamination methods has led to the increasing use of redox enzymes such as glucose oxidase (GOx). GOx immobilization on textile supports provides a promising alternative for catalyzing pollutant degradation in bio-Fenton (BF) and bio-electro-Fenton (BEF) systems. However, challenges related to enzyme stability, reusability, and environmental impact remain a concern. This communication paper outlines innovative strategies developed to address these challenges, notably the use of ecotechnologies to achieve efficient GOx immobilization while maintaining biocatalytic activity. Plasma ecoprocesses, amino-bearing biopolymer-chitosan, as well as a bio-crosslinker genipin have been used efficiently on conductive carbon and non-conductive polyester-PET nonwovens. In certain cases, immobilized GOx can retain high catalytic activity after multiple cycles, making them an effective biocatalyst for organic dye degradation (Crystal Violet and Remazol Blue) via bio-Fenton reactions, including total heterogeneous bio-Fention system. Moreover, the conductive carbon felt-based bioelectrodes successfully supported simultaneous pollutant degradation and energy generation in a BEF system. This work highlights the potential of textile-based enzyme immobilization for sustainable wastewater treatment, bio-electrochemical energy conversion, and also for bacterial deactivation. Future research will focus on optimizing enzyme stability and enhancing BEF efficiency for large-scale applications. Full article

Humans are in constant contact with clothing and textiles throughout their lives, which can expose them to chemicals present in these materials. Chemicals used in fiber production and in material processing can be absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled, causing allergic reactions. Advancements in modern textiles have made them more versatile and functional for a variety of applications, resulting in the use of more chemicals. Regarding the textile industry, several studies have focused on the environmental impact of its effluents and dyes, and, more recently, several studies have focused on textile waste impact in general. Nevertheless, few studies have been carried out on human cytotoxicity, and very little is known about the dangers of long-term use of textiles. The aim of this work was to review the literature to understand what has been done in the field of textile cytotoxicity. In addition, this work also highlights the existing gap regarding regulation and standardized tests for the analysis of everyday clothing. There is an urgent need to establish regulations and standardize testing protocols to assess the potential cytotoxic effects that may arise from finished textile products before they are marketed, in order to guarantee consumer safety. Full article

The discharge of textile effluents containing dyes poses severe environmental risks. This study aimed to develop a $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c} \mathrm{i}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$–HTM (magnetite–heat-activated termite mound) composite via the coprecipitation method for the adsorption of Basic Blue 41 (BB41) dye from textile wastewater under batch conditions. The $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c} \mathrm{i}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$–HTM composite was characterized using BET (surface area), XRD (crystalline structure), FTIR (functional groups), and SEM (microstructure) analyses, confirming the successful synthesis of $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c} \mathrm{i}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$–HTM. Comprising 80% HTM by mass, the composite demonstrates economic viability. Using batch experiments and a Box–Behnken design, the adsorption performance of $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c} \mathrm{i}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$–HTM for BB41 dye removal from aqueous solutions was evaluated. Optimization of the sorption process revealed that a dosage of 2.6 g/L, a contact time of 47.5 min, a temperature of 60 °C, and an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L resulted in a BB41 dye removal efficiency of 98%. Additionally, $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c}$–HTM effectively removed BB41 dye from real wastewater samples, achieving a removal efficiency exceeding 80%, highlighting the improved sorption properties of the modified termite mound. The spent $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c}$–HTM was easily separated from the treated solution using an external magnet and successfully recovered. Its reusability demonstrated a dye removal efficiency of 78% after four cycles, without compromising its magnetic properties. Overall, the magnetically separable $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c} \mathrm{i}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{n} \mathrm{o}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{d}\mathrm{e}$–HTM composite shows significant potential for the treatment of textile wastewater. Full article