International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 04 Issue: 08 | Aug -2017 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072 © 2017, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 5.181 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 2204 Antimicrobial Finishing of Cotton with Extracts of Solanum Incanum Fruit Kalkidan Tadesse 1 , Dr. G.Nalankilli 2 1 Assistant Lecturer, 2 Professor, Textile Chemistry Research and Innovation Centre, Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX) Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia -----------------------------------------------------------------------***----------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract - The use of natural fruit that are non-toxic, non- allergic and eco-friendly on textile as antimicrobial have become a matter of significant importance. This may be due to the increased environmental awareness. In addition, this avoids some hazardous synthetic antimicrobial. Antimicrobial finishing treatment on cotton textile fabric was carried out using extracts from natural plant Solanum Incanum fruit. The active substance was extracted from fruit by using Soxhlet apparatus and applied on to the fabric in different concentrations viz. 15, 20, 25 and 30g/l. The antimicrobial activity of the treated fabric was assessed by Disc Diffusion (SN 195 920) method. High zone of inhibition obtained from 30g/l concentration. The durability of the finish after five wash for zone of inhibition of fabric was also studied and found to be good. Key words: Antimicrobial, Solanum Incanum, Disc Diffusion, zone of inhibition, durability of finish 1. INTRODUCTION Antimicrobials control, destroy or suppress the growth of microorganisms and their negative effects of odour, staining and deterioration. Antimicrobial finishing prevents or inhibits the growth of microorganisms or microbes. The vast majority of antimicrobials work by leaching or moving from the surface on which they are applied. Besides affecting durability and useful life, leaching technologies have the potential to cause a variety of other problems when used in garments. These include their negative effects because; they can contact the skin and potentially affect the normal skin bacteria, cross the skin barrier, and/or have the potential to cause rashes and other skin irritations. When applied, the technology actually polymerizes with the substrate making the surface antimicrobial. This type of antimicrobial technology is used in textiles that are likely to have human contact or where durability is of value. [1,2] Natural antimicrobials derived from plants have been recognized for centuries, but only scientifically confirmed in the last 30 years. The antimicrobial efficacy of components in plants depends on the chemical structure of active components and their concentration. There are various chemical components present in plants with antimicrobial effect including saponin, triterpenoids flavonoids, thiosulfinates, glucosinolates, phenolics, and organic acids. However, the main components in plants with antimicrobial activity are phenolic compounds such as terpenes, aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, and is flavonoids[3-10] . For example, the antibacterial activity of 46 extracts from spices and herbs was suggested to be associated with the presence of phenolic constituents. The researchers have reported that all the tested spices have a strong antibacterial effect against Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella anatum. Solanum Incanum also one of the plant that is used for antimicrobial. [11]. Solanum Incanum is one of about 1,500 Solanum species in the world. Widely distributed in the Horn of Africa it is shows characteristic thorny leaves, yellow fruits and blue flowers with yellow pistils. Throughout tropical Africa ashore throat, angina, stomach pain, colic, headache, painful menstruation and liver pain are treated with Solanum Incanum. In addition the fruit of Solanum Incanum is used for the treatment of dandruff, skin diseases, sores and wounds in Tanzania [3,4] A number of secondary metabolites have been noted for their antimicrobial activity. Secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity can be found in most organisms including: plants such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, herb, and spices, animal sources such as milk, eggs, and tissues. [11]. Plants such as Menthapiperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Arrabidaeachica, Tabebuiaavellanedae, Punicagranatum and Syzygiumcumini have been used due to their antimicrobial properties. Recent studies strongly support that contamination of textiles in clinical settings may contribute to the dispersal of pathogens to the air which then settle down and infect the immediate and non-immediate environment. [13]. It becomes very important to finish all garments where the chance of bacterial growth is high and the safety is paramount. This may include medical garments, sanitary napkins, socks, underwear, disposable wipes, carpets etc. [14]