DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND UV-PROTECTIVE SMART TEXTILES FROM ERI SILK, TASAR SERICIN, AND MULBERRY-INFUSED FIBERS TREATED WITH MUNGA EXTRACTS

The increasing demand for sustainable and multifunctional textiles has accelerated research into bio-based smart fabrics with inherent antimicrobial and ultraviolet (UV) protective properties. In this study, an eco-friendly approach was developed to fabricate antimicrobial and UV-protective smart textiles using Eri silk and mulberry-infused fibers functionalized with Tasar sericin and bioactive Munga (Moringa oleifera) extracts. Tasar sericin was extracted through aqueous degumming and employed as a natural binding and biofunctional agent, while Munga leaf extracts rich in polyphenols and flavonoids were applied as antimicrobial and UV-absorbing finishes via a pad–dry–cure process using citric acid as a cross-linker. The treated textiles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) evaluation, and quantitative antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results indicated strong chemical interactions between sericin, plant bioactives, and silk fibers, leading to durable functionalization. The treated fabrics exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and demonstrated a substantial increase in UV protection compared to untreated controls. Moreover, the functional properties showed good durability after multiple laundering cycles. The findings highlight the synergistic role of Tasar sericin and Munga extracts in imparting multifunctionality to silk-based textiles and demonstrate the potential of this sustainable strategy for developing next-generation smart textiles for medical, protective, and eco-conscious apparel applications.