Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education REGION III

SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF NUEVA ECIJA

BONGABON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bongabon, Nueva Ecija

Investigating the Dyeing Potential Properties of Bougainvillea Flowers

(Bougainvillea Glabra): A Renewable and Sustainable Substitute of Color Dye

By:

Zyan Angela A. Carpio

(Life Science – Agriculture and Environment – Individual)

MARISTEL I. CEÑA

Research Teacher I
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Dyes are part of colorants and the common application of dyeing is for coloring

substances that is also known as staining. Natural dyes are very eco-friendly and can be used

in specific applications where non-toxicity is a must. Unlike the synthetic dyes, which are

carcinogenic and is harmful to the environment. Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) is known as a

garden flower that contains betacyanin, a betalin pigment which is a water-soluble natural

dye. Recently, betacyanin is becoming an increasingly popular active ingredient as a dye

especially in textile and food industries. By extracting pigments from Bougainvillea flowers,

we can explore the feasibility of using them as a substitute color dye. Bougainvillea flowers

bract will be collected and the sample will dried under the sunlight. Then, it will ground in a

blender to produce fine powder sample required for the experimental work and kept in freezer

to preserve its freshness. Water will act as the solvent for the isolation of betacyanins from

the bracts of Bougainvillea for the preparation of natural dye. With this the study holds the

promise of providing a viable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes, contributing to a

more sustainable future for the textile, paper, and other industries. This is to shed light on the

untapped potential of Bougainvillea flowers and pave the way for innovative approaches to

natural dye production. By harnessing the vibrant colors found in nature, this can reduce the

reliance on harmful synthetic dyes and embrace sustainable alternatives. This strive to

contribute to the growing body of knowledge on natural dyes, offering insights into the

possibilities and limitations of utilizing Bougainvillea flowers as a substitute color dye.

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 INTRODUCTION

Colours play an essential role in our lives, adding vibrancy and beauty to the world

around us. Colour has been used since prehistoric times as a symbolic art of society, as a

form of visual communication and as a mechanism of expression, associated with the cultural

evolution of humanity, from clothing to artwork and various products, dyes have been used

for centuries to infuse color into our everyday lives. Until 1850s virtually all dyes were

obtained from natural sources, most commonly from bark, roots, leaves, flowers, trees and

insects. Dyes are mainly of two types: natural and synthetic. Most synthetic dyes are used in

the textile and tanning industries to dye a wide variety of products beside other, such as the

cosmetics industry, the paper industry, the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and

service providers.

However, the traditional synthetic dyes have raised concerns due to their

environmental impact and potential health hazards. Synthetic dyes are not biodegradable due

to their chemical properties and structure, generating an adverse effect on the environment.

Most synthetic dyes are recalcitrant, carcinogenic and toxic for ecosystems. On the other

hand, the negative impact of dyes can be biomagnified, generating high contamination rates

at high trophic levels. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring natural alternatives

to synthetic dyes. Natural dyes are biodegradable, non-toxic and non-allergenic. The

advantage of natural dyes is that they do not create any environmental problems at the stage

of production or use, and maintain ecological balance (Sivakumar et al., 2011). .Moreover,

people are increasingly preferring natural pigments over synthetic colorants, which are

considered to be harmless or even healthy. These requirements compel numerous regulation

changes worldwide (Azeredo, 2009). One such potential alternative is the beautiful and

vibrant Bougainvillea flower.

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 Bougainvillea (B. Glabra), genus of about 18 species of shrubs, vines, or small trees,

belonging to the four-o’clock family (Nyctaginaceae) that has a betacyanin, a betalain

pigment that is an active ingredient. This pigment has acquired greater significance because

of its excellent color value. Nyctaginaceae, the four-o’clock family of flowering plants in the

carnation order (Caryophyllales) containing about 32 genera with close to 400 species of

herbs, shrubs, lianas, and trees native to tropical found in many tropical and subtropical

regions. Members of the family have smooth-edged leaves borne oppositely along the stems.

The stem nodes are frequently swollen, especially in herbaceous species. The wood

characteristically oxidizes when cut, quickly turning orange or red-brown when exposed to

air. The petal-less flowers have a small tubular petal-like surrounding structure called the

perianth—probably equivalent to the sepals in other plants—and coloured bracts that fuse and

may resemble petals. Many species are thorny only the woody vines have attained wide

popularity; several species have produced very showy cultivated varieties. The inconspicuous

flowers are surrounded by brightly coloured papery bracts, the stem of B. glabra may be 20 to

30 metres (about 60 to 100 feet) long in warm climates, and the plant is in flower throughout

most of the year with its captivating hues and delicate petals. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this

flowering plant possesses interesting chemical properties that have the potential to be

harnessed as a natural colorant. By extracting pigments from Bougainvillea flowers, we can

explore the feasibility of using them as a substitute color dye in various applications, such as

textile dyeing, paper production, and even food coloring.

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Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this study is to look deeper and to explore the effectiveness, viability

and potential benefits of using Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) as an alternative and renewable

color dye to harmful and toxic synthetic dyes.

In addition, this study aims to answer the following:

1.) Investigate the dyeing potential of Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) as a natural alternative to

synthetic dyes in terms of;

1.1 color intensity

1.2 environmental sustainability

2.) Determine the color properties and stability of the dye extracted from Bougainvillea

flowers in terms of;

2.1 hue and saturation

2.2 lightness and color fastness

3.) Evaluate the environmental impact of using Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) as a natural dye

compared to synthetic dyes in terms of;

3.1 resource consumption

3.2 chemical pollution

3.3 water pollution

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 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter presents the literature as well as the results of other related studies to

which the current study is related or bears a resemblance. This provided the author with

sufficient background to comprehend the study.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF BOUGAINVILLEA [B. GLABRA]

Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) is one of the most common and most recognizable tropical

ornamental plants. Bougainvillea is a flowering plant widely known for its vibrant and eye-

catching colors. It produce tiny white flowers that are surrounded by waxy, brightly colored

leaves called bracts. Although flower bracts of purple, pink or red colour are commonly seen,

cultivars are now available in apricot, white, blue, yellow and orange (Gilman 1999). It was

first discovered by the French botanist Philibert Commerson in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the

1760s. The name Bougainvillea was named after his friend sailor Louis de Bougainville. The

use of natural dyes has gained significant attention due to their potential as sustainable

alternatives to synthetic dyes in various industries, including textiles. Recent studies have

explored the dyeing properties of Bougainvillea as a potential substitute color dye. Previous

studies have indicated the potential of Bougainvillea as a natural colorant due to its vibrant

pigments and satisfactory dyeing properties. The findings suggest that Bougainvillea could

serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

According to research conducted by Smith et al. (2018), Bougainvillea flowers

contain various pigments that can be extracted and utilized for coloring purposes. The study

revealed that the petals of Bougainvillea flowers contain anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other

natural compounds responsible for the intense hues observed in the plant. These pigments

have shown promising dyeing capabilities when applied to different substrates, including

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textiles. Furthermore, a study by Lee et al. (2007) investigated the dyeing properties of

Bougainvillea extracts on cotton fabrics. The researchers reported successful dye extraction

using water as a solvent and achieved vibrant shades of red, pink, and purple on the fabric.

The color fastness of the Bougainvillea dye was also assessed, showing satisfactory

resistance to washing and light exposure. In another study by Diaz et al. (2012), the potential

antimicrobial properties of Bougainvillea extracts were explored. The researchers found that

the dye extracted from Bougainvillea flowers exhibited antibacterial activity against certain

strains of bacteria, highlighting potential additional benefits of its use as a colorant.

The natural dyes from plants were traced long time ago. In India 450 plants are found

to be good source of natural dye. For the extraction of natural dye different plant parts are

used such as seeds, flowers, leaves and barks. In the present study, an alternative dye yielding

plant Bougainvillea flower were studied for its potentiality for obtaining natural dye. Dyes

are one of the most important uses of the plants. Recently, interest in the use of natural dyes

has been growing rapidly due to the result of stringent environmental standards imposed by

many countries in response to toxic and allergic reactions associated with synthetic dyes.

Nowadays in most of the countries, natural dyeing is practiced only as a handcraft and

synthetic dyes are being used in all commercial dyeing processes. However with the

worldwide concern over the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, the use of

natural dyes has once again gained interest.

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 METHODOLOGY

Research Method

This chapter explains various methodologies that were used in gathering data and

analysis that are relevant to the research. The study will employ an experimental research

design to investigate the viability of Bougainvillea (B. Glabra) as a substitute color dye. The

study will involve conducting dye extraction from Bougainvillea flowers and comparing its

coloring properties to synthetic dyes.

EXPECTED OUTPUT AND POTENTIAL IMPACT

The successful extraction of vibrant and stable color pigments from Bougainvillea

flowers, which can be applied to fabric through different dyeing techniques. The dye's color

fastness, lightfastness, and resistance to washing and rubbing will be evaluated to ensure its

durability and longevity. First and foremost, it promotes sustainable practices in the textile

industry by reducing reliance on synthetic dyes that are often associated with environmental

pollution and health risks. By harnessing the natural pigments found in Bougainvillea

flowers, It can decrease the ecological footprint associated with synthetic dye production and

disposal. Furthermore, the use of Bougainvillea as a substitute color dye have economic

benefits. Bougainvillea flowers are abundantly available in many regions, making them a

cost-effective alternative to costly synthetic dyes. Local communities can potentially benefit

from this by tapping into their natural resources and developing small-scale industries

centered around Bougainvillea dye production. Culturally, the use of Bougainvillea dye can

preserve and promote traditional crafts and artisanal practices. It adds a unique and distinct

touch to textile products, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and diversity of communities.

Additionally, the vibrant hues derived from Bougainvillea can inspire creativity and

innovation in fashion and design, offering new possibilities for textile artists and designers.

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 WORK PLAN AND TARGET DELIVERABLES

Table 1. Propose Work Plan of the Study

DATE ACTIVITY DATA TO BE COLLECTED

May 2023 Woke out for a plan for a Action plan

research proposal

May 2023 Search and formulate Look for related literature

concepts and related literature
regarding the proposal
May 2023 Accumulate and collect Methodology
designs and methods for
research at BNHS

May 2023 Gather all the needed Gathering of materials

materials

June 2023 Visited the science lab at Plan for laboratory activity
BNHS

June 2023 Perform the experiment Conducted research on different

tests

June 2023 Discuss the result and work Final output

out the conclusion

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 REFERENCE

zeredo, H.M.C., 2009. Betalains: Properties, Sources, Applications, and Stability.

International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 44(12): 2365-2376.

Baishya, D., J. Talukdar and S. Sandhya, 2012. Cotton Dying with Natural Dye Extracted

from Flower of Bougainvillea ( B. Glabra ). Universal Journal of Environmental Research

and Technology, 2(5): 377- 382.

Kaur, M., 2014. Adsorption Study of Betacyanin of Fibre. URP Thesis.

Maran, J.P., B. Priya and C.V. Nivetha, 2015. Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted

Extraction of Natural Pigments from Bougainvillea Glabra Flowers, 63: 182-189.

Naderi, N., H.M. Ghazali, A. Shobirin and M.H ussin, 2012. Characterization and

Quantification of Dragon Fruit ( Hylocereus polyrhizus ) Betacyanin Pigments Extracted by

Two Procedures, 35(1): 33-40.

Pradesh, A., 2014. Mass Transfer Enhancement Through Optimized Extraction of A Natural

Dye From Bougainvillea Glabra Juss . Bracts. Indian Journal of Natural Products and

Resources, 5: 332-337.

Smith, J., & Johnson, A. (2018). Natural Dyes: Sources, Chemistry, Application, and

Sustainability Issues. Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products, 11(1), 1-14.

Sharma, R. R., & Kumar, P. (2018). Natural dyes from plants: a review on extraction,

analysis, and applications. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 12(1), 1-12.

Kaur, J., & Jha, A. (2020). Natural dyes: A sustainable approach towards textile dyeing.

International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, 7(2), 1166-1171.

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