EXPLOITING ECO-FRIENDLY NATURAL DYES FROM PLANT SOURCES: EXTRACTION AND DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

Natural pigments extracted from plant sources offer eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. In this study, pigment samples were obtained through aqueous extraction from beetroot (S1), red cabbage (S2), and turmeric (S3). Their physicochemical properties and potential applications were thoroughly evaluated. The research problem addressed in this study is the need to overcome the limitations of natural dyes, such a slower color fastness, reduced reproducibility, and limited color range, in order to promote their wider adoption in various industries as sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. The pigment extracts were assessed for their suitability in textile dyeing, paper pH indicators, food coloring, ink production, and natural stamp pad formulations. Cotton and wool fabrics were dyed by adding traditional mordants, and the pigment-treated textiles exhibited distinctive color changes and varying levels of color fastness. The pigment samples demonstrated the ability to act as effective acid-base indicators, displaying characteristic color transitions in response to varying pH levels. When used as natural food colorants, the extracts imparted attractive hues to rice and cream without altering their flavor profiles. The feasibility of incorporating these plant-derived pigments in ink manufacturing and stamp pad production was also explored. Beetroot pigment exhibited superior color retention and fastness properties, while red cabbage and turmeric extracts displayed effectiveness in selected applications. The findings of this comprehensive study highlight the viability of these plant sources as natural substitutes for synthetic colorants in diverse fields. The observed performance characteristics and the eco-friendly nature of the pigments underscore their potential to serve as sustainable alternatives in various industries.