Sustainable Antibacterial Finishing of Cellulosic Fabrics: A Comparative Study of Natural and Synthetic Agents

Cellulosic textiles, due to their high surface area and moisture affinity, are highly prone to microbial growth, posing risks to consumer health and textile durability. Growing awareness of hygiene and environmental sustainability has driven increased interest in antimicrobial finishes, particularly those derived from renewable natural sources. This study comparatively evaluates the antibacterial performance of natural and synthetic finishing agents applied to reactive-dyed cellulosic textiles. Three plant-based antibacterial agents—Azadirachta indica (neem), Aloe barbadensis Miller (aloe vera), and Zingiber officinale (ginger)—were investigated alongside a conventional synthetic antibacterial finish. The synthetic agent was applied at a concentration of 4 g/L using laboratory-scale dip and pad–dry–cure methods, while the natural extracts were applied at two concentrations (60 g/L and 80 g/L). The antibacterial efficacy of the treated textiles was quantitatively assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) following the AATCC 100-1998 test method. In addition, the physical and chemical properties of treated and untreated fabrics were systematically examined to evaluate the influence of antibacterial finishing on textile quality. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive comparison between synthetic and sustainable antibacterial agents, offering valuable insights for the development of effective and eco-friendly antimicrobial textile finishes.