Sumac

Hosseinnezhad, Mozhgan, et al. Fibers and Polymers 19.9 (2018): 1908-1912.

The shift towards sustainable textile processes has led to the use of natural mordants like sumac in eco-friendly dyeing practices. This study explores the use of sumac extract as a natural mordant, both alone and in combination with alum, for dyeing silk fibers with madder and Reseda green dyes, commonly available in Iran. Sumac, rich in tannins, was extracted and applied to silk fibers to enhance dye uptake and improve the fastness properties of the fabric. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the bonding between the silk fibers, mordants, and dyes, revealing strengthened interactions and changes in the fiber's chemical structure.

The dyeing process was evaluated in terms of color strength and color coordinates (CIELab), with the combination of sumac and alum showing high K/S values, indicating strong dye fixation. The fastness properties, including light, wash, and rubbing fastness, were also assessed, and results showed significant improvement when sumac was used as a mordant. The eco-friendly nature of the process, utilizing locally available natural dyes and mordants, makes it a promising approach for green textile production. This work demonstrates the potential of sumac extract as a sustainable and effective mordant for the dyeing of silk, contributing to the clean production of Iranian carpets.

Fatah, Shilan A., and Khalid M. Omer. Microchemical Journal 214 (2025): 114094.

Sumac-derived carbon dots (S-CDs) have emerged as a novel, cost-effective tool for the fluorescence-based detection of ofloxacin (OFL), a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic. In this study, S-CDs were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal approach using sumac as a carbon source. The synthesized S-CDs exhibited spherical morphology (20–30 nm) and blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 1.4%. Upon interaction with OFL, a significant fluorescence enhancement and a red shift in the emission spectrum were observed, enabling the design of an off–on fluorescence detection method. The quantum yield increased 45-fold (45.0%) upon OFL binding, providing a highly sensitive response.

The fluorescence intensity showed a strong linear correlation with OFL concentration (R² = 0.98) in the range of 1–90 nM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.7 nM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.3 nM. Furthermore, a smartphone-assisted visual detection system was developed, allowing real-time quantification of OFL in concentrations ranging from 20–80 µM, with an LOD of 0.97 µM. This method was successfully applied to detect OFL in eye drop formulations and tap water, demonstrating high accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of S-CDs for efficient, portable, and accurate pharmaceutical and environmental monitoring of OFL.

Tavassoli, Milad, et al. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 242 (2023): 125044.

This study explores the development of biodegradable pectin (PC)/chitosan nanofiber (ChNF) films infused with sumac anthocyanins for use in freshness monitoring and shelf-life extension of shrimp. The films' physical, barrier, morphological, color, and antibacterial properties were thoroughly evaluated. The incorporation of sumac anthocyanins led to intramolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, confirmed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis, indicating good compatibility between the film components.

The smart films exhibited remarkable sensitivity to ammonia vapors, with a color change from reddish to olive within the first 5 minutes of exposure, signaling early spoilage. Furthermore, the films demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The PC/ChNF/sumac films maintained acceptable mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 60 MPa and flexibility of 23.3%. The water vapor barrier also slightly improved, with a reduction in water vapor permeability from 2.5 × 10⁻¹¹ to 2.3 × 10⁻¹¹ g·m/m²·s·Pa after anthocyanin addition.

Applied to shrimp freshness monitoring, the films showed a clear color shift from reddish to greenish after 48 hours of storage, proving their potential as an effective, eco-friendly solution for real-time spoilage detection in seafood products. This work highlights the promising application of sumac anthocyanins in sustainable packaging and food safety technologies.