Microwave-Enzyme-Assisted Extraction and Dyeing of Lichen Species: Parmotrema praesorediosum

Abstract

This research work involves the dyeing of silk fabrics with lichen Parmotrema praesorediosum. The dyes were extracted using two techniques involving microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and microwave-enzyme-assisted extraction (MEAE). This was found to be comparable with conventional boiling technique. The CIE L*a*b* and K/S values of the dyed samples were measured. Colourfastness properties including washing, rubbing and light of each sample was measured. The research results indicated that modification of MEAE led to higher dye absorption shade compared to MAE and boiling method. The optimal microwave power is 700 W. The colourfastness testing shows that all samples produced good colourfastness for natural dye.