Anthraquinone colorants and derivatives are photo-active agents. Under certain conditions these chemicals could impart photo-induced special functions to the surfaces of fibers and polymers. The photo-induced functions include radical graft polymerization, antimicrobial functions, and degradation of toxic chemicals and other colorants on the surfaces of the fibers and polymers. The photo-active functions of the anthraquinone compounds are due to photo-generation of radicals and consequently formation of reactive oxygen species on the surfaces of the materials. Mechanisms of the photo-induced reactions will be discussed. Structural effects of the chemicals and polymers on antimicrobial functions and degradation of chemicals will be addressed. Potential applications of the chemistry to various textile products will be discussed in the presentation.