To study the anti-microbial effect of groundnut shell extract when applied on cotton fabric

Antimicrobial textile products are becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek fresh-smelling, skin-friendly, and high-performance fabrics. By imbuing the fabric with antimicrobial properties, we can increase the comfort and hygiene factor, making it more pleasant to wear. Odors can be neutralized, and skin problems caused by microbial growth can be reduced, emphasizing the treated product's hygiene.
This research looks at extracting an antimicrobial finish from groundnut shells and applying it to cotton fabric. The hydrous (water) and solvent extraction processes were used for the extraction (methanol, ethanol). The Agar Diffusion Plate Method was used to test the antimicrobial efficacy of groundnut shell extract at different concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60%) with ethanol, methanol, and water. 20% methanolic extract for the Escherichia coli, the inhibition zone is greater than at other concentrations. For application, the fabric was desized and an iodine test was performed to check for the presence of starch before the finish was applied using the exhaustion and pad-dry-cure methods.
The results show that for Escherichia coli, the fabric treated with groundnut shell extract along with 12% citric acid performed better than the extract alone. Until the fifth wash, the fabric sample treated with extract and 12% citric acid showed a clear zone of inhibition. The clarity decreased after the sixth, seventh, and eighth washes.