Given the increasing demand for multifunctional products with programmable and biological functionalities, this study
aims to develop bioactive cellulose materials using a cost-effective, eco-friendly process. Plant extracts are well-suited for
textile processing due to their accessibility, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and eco-friendly nature. In this study, viscose
fabrics were treated with aqueous solutions of plant extracts from five selected species: industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa
L.), mountain germander (Teucrium montanum L.), herb-robert (Geranium robertianum L.), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla viridiflora
Rothm.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). Periodate oxidation and chitosan deposition were used to enhance fabric
properties. The antimicrobial activity of viscose fabrics treated with plant extracts was assessed using the agar diffusion
method on Gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (clinical isolate and strain ATCC 25923), as well as Gramnegative microorganisms: Escherichia coli strain ATCC 25322 and a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All samples
treated with plant extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity, evidenced by inhibition zones or contact activity against
the tested microorganisms. Samples treated with pomegranate peel and hemp extracts exhibited the highest efficacy
against Gram-positive bacteria (inhibition zone of 20mm), while those treated with pomegranate peel extract showed
the highest activity against Gram-negative bacteria (inhibition zone of 17.5mm). The antioxidant activity was evaluated
using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagent; the results indicated significant antioxidant effects across all viscose fabrics
functionalized with plant extracts. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in samples treated with extracts of lady’s
mantle at 80%, teucrium montanum at 76%, and pomegranate peel at 70%. Interactions between hemp and pomegranate
extracts were further investigated using in silico methods to gain insights into the types of interactions and to identify key
functional groups/atoms involved in complex formation between chitosan and extract constituents. Results indicate that
the examined plant extracts could serve as suitable replacements for synthetic agents in textile functionalization.
