Microwave assisted aegle marmelos extraction for cotton coloration and in situ silver nanoparticle synthesis

Abstract Cellulose-based textiles functionalized using sustainable routes are attracting increasing attention for advanced and eco-friendly applications. In the present study, phytochemical- and volatile-rich extracts from Aegle marmelos were utilized for the simultaneous coloration and multifunctional finishing of cotton cellulose fibers assisted by microwave irradiation. The plant extract acted as a natural reducing, stabilizing, and functionalizing agent, enabling in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles on the cellulose surface without the use of additional chemicals. The treated cotton fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to elucidate chemical interactions and surface morphology. Functional performance was evaluated in terms of antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, antioxidant capacity using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, and ultraviolet protection properties. The results demonstrated significant enhancement in antimicrobial efficiency, strong antioxidant activity, and excellent UV protection compared to untreated cotton. The improved performance was attributed to the synergistic effects of phytochemicals, silver nanoparticles, and strong hydrogen bonding interactions with cellulose hydroxyl groups. The enhanced functional performance was attributed to the uniform deposition and distribution of in situ synthesized silver nanoparticles on the cotton fiber surface, facilitated by the phytochemical constituents of Aegle marmelos extract. This study presents a green, energy-efficient approach for producing multifunctional cellulose textiles with potential applications in medical, protective, and sustainable textile materials.