Valorization of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) peel extract as an agricultural waste for green fabrication of bio-silver nanoparticles on cellulosic fabrics

The global trend toward producing multifunctional textiles using silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) synthesized through phyto-synthesis, combined with natural dyes from plant extracts, reflects the appeal of eco-friendly, sustainable methods. This study leverages pistachio peel extract (PPE), a rich source of natural dyes, to dye cotton fabrics and enhance their antibacterial properties through microwave-assisted Ag NP synthesis. Ag NPs were synthesized using various ratios of PPE to Ag ions. Characterization of the synthesis process and particle size was carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), resulting in an average nanoparticle size of 73.5 nm. To optimize the biosynthesis process on cotton fabrics, the response surface method (RSM) was applied via central composite design (CCD). Surface morphology analysis through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed nanoparticles of approximately 70 nm, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed in-situ formation of Ag NPs on the cotton surface. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) offered insights into the chemical interactions involved in this in-situ synthesis. Colorimetric analysis of the dyed samples indicated a shift from yellow (from PPE) to dark brown after the successful incorporation of Ag NPs on the cotton, along with a significant increase in color strength (K/S) from 3.08 to 16.07. Furthermore, cotton fabrics treated with Ag NPs exhibited complete bacterial inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus , achieving 100 % antibacterial effectiveness with inhibition zone diameters of 4.1 mm for E. coli and S. aureus . Additionally, the treated fabrics showed excellent durability, with rub fastness at 4–5, washing fastness at 4–5, and light fastness at 7. Overall, this study presents a sustainable method for dyeing and enhancing the antibacterial properties of cotton textiles using PPE and Ag NPs. • The silver nanoparticles were synthesized on the cotton by pistachio peel extract. • The synthesized Ag NPs with a size of <75 nm were used for the dyeing of cotton fabric. • The AgNPs were deposited homogeneously on the cotton fibers. • The color strength and antibacterial properties of dyed samples with AgNPs enhanced.