Use of Bixa orellana and Curcuma longa L. as a Natural Protection Factor for Cotton Fabrics

Exposure to solar radiation is associated with various impacts on human health, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. As a prevention measure, clothing is an attractive and advantageous choice. In this work, natural bioactives were used for photoprotection purposes in textiles. Extracts from the seeds of Bixa orellana (37.5, 25.0, and 12.5% w/v) and powders from Curcuma longa L. (10.0, 5.0, and 2.5% w/v) were applied to raw cotton fabrics (Tc). The dye impregnation was carried out by immersing the fabric samples in the bioactive extract suspensions under heating and magnetic stirring. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed the presence of bixin and norbixin, and curcumin; natural dyes associated with anti-UV properties. UV/Vis molecular absorption spectrometry confirmed the presence of bioactives and characterized the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), where it was observed that dye impregnation improved the UPF of cotton fabric by blocking ultraviolet radiation. Samples Tc + EXBO37.5%, Tc + EXBO25.0%, Tc + EXCL10.0% showed an adequate UPF as recommended by the ABNT NBR 16695 (2018). Finally, it is worth highlighting the importance of using a simple, low-cost, and sustainable methodology that aims to add socioeconomic value and socio-environmental development to the Northeast region of Brazil, which produces the species Bixa orellana and Curcuma longa L., and cotton fabrics through the exploitation of the photoprotective properties of their natural dyes in the production of everyday clothing.