Polydopamine-modified interface improves the immobilization of natural bioactive-dye onto textile and enhances antifungal activity

Dermatomycosis, such as candidiasis and mycosis among others, has emerged recently as the most frequent fungal infection worldwide. This disease is due to the skin's exposure to microorganisms that are able to pass through skin barrier defects. Therefore, textiles in direct contact with skin can serve as a source of contamination and fungus spread. In the current study, a sustainable and eco-friendly method for antifungal cotton finishing using Curcuma longa L extracted from rhizomes was investigated. To enhance the natural bioactive dye uptake and attachment, cellulosic cotton fibers were chemically modified using dopamine, a biocompatible molecule, leading to the deposition of a hydrophilic layer of polydopamine. The efficiency of the polydopamine coating on the cotton surface has been assessed by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy analyses, with the detection of nitrogen, and by water contact angle for the wettability enhancement. Furthermore, characterization of the modified samples confirms that the modification did not affect either the cellulosic fiber morphology or the mechanical properties. The dyeability and bioactive dye immobilization were then assessed by colorimetry. Finally, the effectiveness of the finished fabrics against Trichophyton (rubrum/mentagrophytes) and Candida albicans strains was evaluated and was shown to induce growth inhibition mainly on Candida albicans strains.