Reddish brown pigments from Alternaria alternata for textile dyeing and printing

Abstract

Reddish brown pigment has been extracted from dry mycelium of Alternaria alternata in methanol and then evaluated for dyeing efficacy on cotton fabrics. The pigment producing fungus A. alternata is grown in maize grain broth maintained at pH 6. Shade of Sienna is obtained on cotton. Dyed cotton fabric has recorded a grey scale rating of 2-3 and 4-5 for colour fastness and multi fibre staining respectively. Maximum dye absorption of 63% has been observed on cotton fabrics. The antimicrobial property of dyed fabric is also tested. Potent antimicrobial activity is observed against Staphylococcus epidermis (42 mm) and Streptococcus pyogenes (39 mm).