Tova Williams Cherry

This project pertains to the characterization of colorants isolated from fungi and other plant media as potential alternatives to environmentally unfriendly synthetic dyes. Part 1 of our study seeks to verify that the resulting biocolourants are non-ecotoxic and non-mutagenic. Although from a natural origin, the biocolourants are new compounds that need to be examined for potential adverse effects on human health and aquatic biota. Part 2 seeks to establish viable methods for the application and evaluation of biocolourants on textile substrates. Specifically, the focus this aspect of our work involves dyeing and printing of textiles and determination of their fastness properties. Non-traditional applications (e.g. paints, coatings, and solar cells) for the new biocolourants will also be pursued.

Cotton is nature���s gift to the textile industry, with excellent physical properties, biological origins, and the ability to biodegrade. Using immersive, fun, thought-provoking hands-on laboratory experiences, inspired by on-going research in the Wilson College of Textiles on cotton biodegradability, we will develop a set of learning modules to direct the educational power of student interest in textile and apparel sustainability towards curiosity about cotton fibers and knowledge-building that can help them as young professionals to shape the sustainable future that is so important to us all, and to young people especially. These modules will be an innovative new offering, designed to become incorporated in core and elective courses in the undergraduate-level Polymer and Color Chemistry and graduate-level Textile Chemistry curricula. CottonWorks��� resources and information will be closely integrated into the project-based modules. Students will work in teams to select a variety of high cotton content fabrics with various dyes, finishes and embellishments, and will subject these to accelerated degradation using an Enzymatic Fiber Separation process developed at Wilson College. They will compare results, debate potential reasons for the outcomes, and consider creative uses for degraded cotton. After completing the modules, students will have a deeper appreciation for how cotton degrades, why this is an important attribute, how colorants and finishes can interfere, and they will gain inspiration for strategies to overcome these obstacles. At least 60 students will be directly involved during the grant period, with the goal of continuing to involve at least that many annually thereafter.

This project pertains to the characterization of colorants isolated from fungi and other plant media as potential alternatives to environmentally unfriendly synthetic dyes. Part 1 of our study seeks to verify that the resulting biocolourants are non-ecotoxic and non-mutagenic. Although from a natural origin, the biocolourants are new compounds that need to be examined for potential adverse effects on human health and aquatic biota. Part 2 seeks to establish viable methods for the application and evaluation of biocolourants on textile substrates. Specifically, the focus this aspect of our work involves dyeing and printing of textiles and determination of their fastness properties. Non-traditional applications (e.g. paints, coatings, and solar cells) for the new biocolourants will also be pursued.