The team led by Zhu Chenjie and Tan Zhuo Tao from Nanjing University of Technology published an integrated technology of indigo dye “biocatalysis + in-situ staining” in Nature Communications, challenging traditional printing and dyeing processes.
1. Major technological breakthrough
Through a dual-enzyme cascade system, the cofactor circulates autonomously without the need for external toxic reagents or reducing agents. Dye synthesis and fabric coloring are completed simultaneously in a single reactor. The yield of dye produced via shake flask fermentation reaches 367.5 mg/L, saving over 95% water in the dyeing process, and environmental factors are reduced to 1.21.
2. Industry applications and market trends
Applications in textiles, food, and cosmetics are accelerating. Both green production policies and rising safety demands among consumers drive the replacement of traditional chemical dyes with synthetic biocolorants.
