Botanical Natural Dyes as Antimicrobial Biofinishes for Medical Textiles: A Review of Sources, Mechanisms and Translational Challenges

Abstract

Natural dyes are being reconsidered in medical textile research not merely as colourants, but as plant-derived bioactive finishes capable of adding antibacterial, antifungal, ultraviolet-protective and skin-compatible functions to textile substrates. This review examines botanical natural dyes relevant to antimicrobial medical textiles, with emphasis on turmeric (Curcuma longa), henna (Lawsonia inermis), pomegranate peel (Punica granatum), madder (Rubia tinctorum), annatto (Bixa orellana), indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) and berberine-containing plants such as Coptis species. The paper synthesizes literature on phytochemical classes, antimicrobial mechanisms, extraction and dyeing approaches, mordanting strategies, evaluation standards and application areas including wound dressings, hospital linens, gowns, compression textiles and reusable protective materials. The review also identifies major barriers to translation: variability in botanical raw material, insufficient wash durability under clinical laundering, possible toxicity of metallic mordants, limited standardization and a shortage of clinical evidence linking treated textiles to reduced healthcare-associated infection risk. Current evidence supports natural dye systems as promising sustainable biofinishes, provided that future development prioritizes standardized extraction, bio-mordants, validated antimicrobial testing and safety assessment before medical deployment.