Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles on polyamide fabrics using Scrophularia striata Boiss extract: Characterization, dyeing, and antibacterial properties

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on textiles using natural extracts is emerging as an innovative, eco-friendly approach for enhancing both antibacterial properties and dyeing performance. This study introduces a novel in-situ method for synthesizing Ag NPs directly on polyamide (PA) fabrics, utilizing Scrophularia striata Boiss extract (SBE) as a natural dye and reducing agent. UV–visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the synthesis process and determine the average particle size of Ag NPs. The data showed particle sizes of 62.5 nm and 56.1 nm when using flower and stem extracts, respectively. Surface morphology findings from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and corresponding diffraction peaks in X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the in-situ formation of Ag NPs on the surface of PA fabric. Fabrics dyed with SBE and Ag NPs exhibited higher color strength (K/S values of 4.1 and 5.6 for flower and stem, respectively), showing 64 % and 100 % increases compared to samples without silver. Additionally, PA fabrics exhibited 100 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. After 10 washing cycles, antibacterial activity was maintained at 88 % and 85 % for the stem extract and 83 % and 79 % for the flower extract. This research highlights the novel integration of natural dye and nanoparticle synthesis, providing a sustainable route for multifunctional textile development.