Buletinul Institutului Politehnic din Iași Secția Chimie și Inginerie Chimică ISSN: 2537-2947
ISSN-L: 0254-7104
2025, Volume 71(75), Issue 4 (December), pp. 9 - 25
Valorization of Prunus Spinosa Extract as Sustainable Coloring Agents in
Textile Finishing: A Green Chemistry Approach
NICOLETA TOFĂNESCU (MIHAI),
“Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design
and Business Management (DIMA), Romania,
nicoleta.mihai@student.tuiasi.ro VASILICA POPESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of
Industrial Design and Business Management (DIMA), Romania
Abstract In the context of the need to develop
sustainable textile technologies, this research investigates the application
of Prunus spinosa extracts as environmentally friendly coloring agents. The
fruits and bark of this species are rich sources of bioactive compounds,
including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, characterized by
antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dyeing properties, thus providing a viable
alternative to synthetic dyes. Pigment extraction from Prunus spinosa fruits
can be conducted through various methods such as maceration, boiling, and
pressing. The chemical composition of the extracts can be characterized
using advanced analytical techniques, including High-Performance Liquid
Chromatography (HPLC), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR), and
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Employing these extracts in
environmentally friendly textile dyeing processes significantly contributes
to the reduction of environmental pollution by eliminating the necessity of
harmful chemical agents. The stability and fixation properties of these
natural dyes can be evaluated using spectroscopic analyses, wash, light, and
rub fastness tests, as well as colorimetric measurements. Literature studies
have indicated a high affinity of these natural dyes towards natural textile
fibers, such as cotton and wool, ensuring strong adherence and enhanced
color durability. In addition to ecological advantages, this method supports
the development of a more sustainable textile industry by providing products
with additional functional properties, such as ultraviolet (UV) protection
and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the valorization of Prunus spinosa
extracts in textile dyeing aligns with green chemistry principles, promoting
innovative and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional dyes. This approach
represents a significant step towards reducing the ecological impact of the
textile industry by demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing natural
resources in sustainable processes. Future studies will focus on extending
the applicability of these natural dyes to synthetic fibers, optimizing
extraction procedures, and maximizing pigment fixation efficiency. Thus, the
application of Prunus spinosa extracts as natural coloring agents not only
offers a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes,
thereby reducing the negative environmental impact of the textile industry
but also opens new perspectives for the development of functional textiles
with antimicrobial and UV-protective properties, contributing to the
transition towards more sustainable production processes aligned with
circular economy and green chemistry principles. Keywords: Natural dyes;
Prunus spinosa; textile dyeing; green chemistry; sustainability.