Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method for producing colored textiles directly from bacteria, eliminating the need for traditional, polluting dyeing processes. The research, published in Trends in Biotechnology, demonstrates a sustainable and efficient way to create vibrant, rainbow-colored fabrics in a single step.
The Problem with Traditional Textile Production
Conventional textile manufacturing relies heavily on chemical synthesis and post-treatment procedures that are energy-intensive, environmentally damaging, and labor-intensive. These processes generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions and release hazardous heavy metals and carcinogens into the environment. The industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and polluting chemicals has driven the search for more sustainable alternatives.
Bacterial Cellulose as a Solution
Researchers have turned to bacterial cellulose—a natural polymer produced by microorganisms—as a promising substitute for conventional textile fibers. Many bacteria convert glucose into cellulose, creating a material similar to cotton but with a lower environmental footprint. However, bacterial cellulose is naturally white, requiring a separate dyeing process.
Engineering Color into the Process
To address this, scientists led by Sang Yup Lee at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains to produce both cellulose and natural dyes simultaneously. The team manipulated the bacteria to create two classes of dyes: violaceins (producing purple, blue, and green hues) and carotenoids (producing red, orange, and yellow tones).
The Two-Step Dyeing Method
The initial approach involved genetically modifying Komagataeibacter xylinus to enhance cellulose production while adding violacein-producing E. coli to the reaction vessel. This resulted in purple-, blue-, and green-dyed fabrics. However, achieving warmer tones proved more challenging, as the bacteria did not produce sufficient dye.
To overcome this, the team introduced a co-culture method. Pregrown and treated cellulose was added to a culture of carotenoid-producing E. coli, successfully yielding red-, orange-, and yellow-dyed fabrics. This two-step approach completed the team’s rainbow palette.
Benefits and Stability
This method eliminates the need for separate dyeing and washing processes, reducing chemical waste and water consumption. The colored bacterial cellulose demonstrated strong stability against acids, bases, heat treatments, and washing.
Future Directions
Further research is needed to fully assess the durability of these materials against industrial detergents and mechanical wear. The team plans to expand the color spectrum beyond the current seven hues and scale up the process for industrial production while maintaining consistent quality. Altering bacterial cellulose production could also open doors to biodegradable packaging and other applications.
This breakthrough offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable textile manufacturing, reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and versatility
