152
S. Riaz and M. Ashraf
upon the solvent used and the extraction method and functional textile fabric could
be developed with excellent performance against bacteria to be used for medical
textiles [132]. Ayyub et al. [133] studied the synergistic effect of different extracts
by developing the durable antibacterial textiles. Aloe vera gel and Neem extract were
separately applied and their functionality was examined antifungal property against
Aspergillus niger and antibacterial activity against strains i.e. E. coli and S. aureus.
And the composite finish showed better results than separate application of each
agent.
Inherent and mechanical properties of treated textile are affected by the application
of Aloe vera extract. This was studied by Hein et al. [134] and antibacterial testing
was performed for Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, and B. pumilus)
and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas, Candida, and E. coli). Best results were
obtained against Pseudomonas and E-coli, while, finished fabric have shown fair
enough activity B. subtilis and B. pumilus. But, in case of S. aureus and Candi
bacterial strain, the treated fabric could not resist the bacterial growth. Similar to
cotton textiles, the silk textiles are also prone to microbes due to their hygroscopic
nature. Therefore, antibacterial treatment of silk textiles is also needed. Combination
of organic and inorganic antibacterial agents could be used for enhanced activity
against microbes. A study was conducted in which Silver NPs and Aloe vera gel have
been used along with BTCA crosslinker to treat silk fabric. Excellent antibacterial
activity was shown against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae bacteria with durability up
to 5 washing cycles [40].
7.3.2 Neem
Pant from Genus zadirachta, which is known as Neem (Azadirachta indica) or margosa belongs to family (Meliaceae), Mohagny. It is mostly found in Pakistan, Maldives, India, Sri-lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as in some parts of America
and Africa, is well appreciated as a medicinal plant to be used in folk medicines, cosmetics, and organic farm applications (pest and insect control) due to its antiseptic,
antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, sedative, anthelmintic, and contraceptive properties [119, 120]. The active compounds are found mostly in all parts of
plant including leaves, fruit, seed, roots, flowers, twig, gum and bark. From where
its extract or oil has been obtained to cure different human diseases from ancient
times to the modern age. More than 700 Neem based products have been used in
Amchi, Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and many other traditional health care remedies
especially as skin related medicaments. Because of being organic material it is safe
with its extraordinary attributes but, its long-term use can cause some side effects.
Neem tree consists of more than 250 active ingredients but, the most active compounds obtained from different parts of tree are nimbin, azadirachtin, and salannin
[135] and nimbin with chemical structure shown in Fig. 15 is most prevalent due to
its antibacterial activity.
Different classes of antimicrobial compounds and their extract found their application in textile industry [136]. Neem extract have been used widely to inhibit the
S. Riaz and M. Ashraf
upon the solvent used and the extraction method and functional textile fabric could
be developed with excellent performance against bacteria to be used for medical
textiles [132]. Ayyub et al. [133] studied the synergistic effect of different extracts
by developing the durable antibacterial textiles. Aloe vera gel and Neem extract were
separately applied and their functionality was examined antifungal property against
Aspergillus niger and antibacterial activity against strains i.e. E. coli and S. aureus.
And the composite finish showed better results than separate application of each
agent.
Inherent and mechanical properties of treated textile are affected by the application
of Aloe vera extract. This was studied by Hein et al. [134] and antibacterial testing
was performed for Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, and B. pumilus)
and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas, Candida, and E. coli). Best results were
obtained against Pseudomonas and E-coli, while, finished fabric have shown fair
enough activity B. subtilis and B. pumilus. But, in case of S. aureus and Candi
bacterial strain, the treated fabric could not resist the bacterial growth. Similar to
cotton textiles, the silk textiles are also prone to microbes due to their hygroscopic
nature. Therefore, antibacterial treatment of silk textiles is also needed. Combination
of organic and inorganic antibacterial agents could be used for enhanced activity
against microbes. A study was conducted in which Silver NPs and Aloe vera gel have
been used along with BTCA crosslinker to treat silk fabric. Excellent antibacterial
activity was shown against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae bacteria with durability up
to 5 washing cycles [40].
7.3.2 Neem
Pant from Genus zadirachta, which is known as Neem (Azadirachta indica) or margosa belongs to family (Meliaceae), Mohagny. It is mostly found in Pakistan, Maldives, India, Sri-lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as in some parts of America
and Africa, is well appreciated as a medicinal plant to be used in folk medicines, cosmetics, and organic farm applications (pest and insect control) due to its antiseptic,
antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, sedative, anthelmintic, and contraceptive properties [119, 120]. The active compounds are found mostly in all parts of
plant including leaves, fruit, seed, roots, flowers, twig, gum and bark. From where
its extract or oil has been obtained to cure different human diseases from ancient
times to the modern age. More than 700 Neem based products have been used in
Amchi, Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and many other traditional health care remedies
especially as skin related medicaments. Because of being organic material it is safe
with its extraordinary attributes but, its long-term use can cause some side effects.
Neem tree consists of more than 250 active ingredients but, the most active compounds obtained from different parts of tree are nimbin, azadirachtin, and salannin
[135] and nimbin with chemical structure shown in Fig. 15 is most prevalent due to
its antibacterial activity.
Different classes of antimicrobial compounds and their extract found their application in textile industry [136]. Neem extract have been used widely to inhibit the