Extraction Natural Dyes from Actinomycetes using Microwave Assisted Extraction

Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) is regarded as the simplest and cheapest techniques for the natural dyes extraction. The major advantages of this are considerable reduction in time and solvent consumption with better extraction yield (1). In MAE, the sample and solvent are contained in a sealed extraction container under controlled pressure and temperature conditions which allows the temperature of the solvent to rise above the boiling point which enhances extraction efficiency and shorten the extraction time (2, 3). This study focused on extraction of natural dyes from four selected actinomycetes using microwave assisted extraction. The extracted dyes of actinomycetes were treated with FeSO4 prior dyeing to increase dye-uptake. The dyeing of silk fabrics were done using exhaust dyeing techniques at 80 °C for 1 hour. The evaluation of the dyed fabrics was carried out using colour spectrophotometer and colourfastness assessment. The dyes treated with mordant produces deeper shades on dyed silk fabrics and colours obtained are in the brown colour group. The results recorded for colourfastness showing good to excellent rating of all fastness properties. Thus, it was shown that MAE produces high quantity of dyes as well as eco-friendly and time saving.

Fig. 1

Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam for providing the laboratory facilities to do the research.

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[2] Mason, T. J, Chemat, F. and Vinatoru, M. Current Organic Chemistry 2011, 15, 237 – 247.

[3] Chemat, F, Abert-Vian, M. and Zill-e-Huma, Y, J. Microwave assisted separations: green chemistry in action. In: Pearlman JT (ed) Green chemistry research trends. Nova Science Publishers, New York 2009, 33 – 62.