Microbial Fermentation for Coloring in Clothing and Food
The world's first synthetic dye appeared in 1856, and since then, synthetic dyes produced through petrochemical processes have become widespread globally. Currently, the majority of industrial dyes are derived from petroleum and fossil raw materials because they offer a faster, easier, and more cost-effective production method compared to natural dye production.
However, the serious pollution issues associated with the chemical industry pose problems not only for the environment but also raise concerns about the toxicity of chemical dyes, potentially leading to skin diseases and cancer risks.
As environmental and health threats loom large, people have decided to return to nature to seek healthy and sustainable dye production technologies. Especially with the significant advancements in genetic editing and microbial fermentation technology today, manufacturing dyes based on sustainable and clean microbial and chemical methods is poised to be the future trend in the industry.
Biological Pigments Based on Precision Fermentation
The use of precision microbial fermentation technology to produce dyes brings forth innovative coloring solutions. Bio-based pigments can exhibit vibrant purple, blue, pink, and green colors, such as violacein and its derivatives. Additionally, violacein possesses potent bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV protection capabilities, which can add functional benefits to products in various industries, such as textiles and cosmetics. Utilizing microbial fermentation technology to design pigments with bioactivity assists the fashion industry in finding sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes.
| Catalog | Product Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| BBF-03469 | Violacein | Antibiotics |
In recent years, industrial products with "sustainability" are becoming synonymous with "fashion". Although still in the early stages of development, many trendy companies have started collaborating with biotechnology firms. These initiatives not only gain popularity among environmentalists but also bring more opportunities to the bio-based dye industry.
In the realm of bio-based pigments, using microbial precision fermentation technology for production has become a popular track since Stony Creek Colors began cultivating indigo through agricultural technology in 2012. The benefits include a significant reduction in the large amounts of non-renewable energy and water resources required for traditional dye production and dyeing processes. Dye production involves the use of substantial water, petroleum compounds, toxic and corrosive chemicals, and considerable energy. The microbial-based dye manufacturing process provides a solution to alleviate the shortage of petroleum resources. Besides microbial fermentation processes, bio-based pigments can also be obtained through updated chemical processes, offering effective solutions for obtaining certain hard-to-obtain natural dyes.
Roles of Fermentation CDMO in Bio-based Pigments
Fermentation CDMO facilitate the development and commercialization of these sustainable bio-based pigments. Fermentation CDMOs are responsible for developing and optimizing fermentation processes for the production of bio-based pigments, including selecting suitable microorganisms, defining culture conditions, and optimizing fermentation parameters to achieve high yields and quality pigments. And transferring the optimized process to larger fermenters to ensures a smooth transition from laboratory-scale processes to large-scale manufacturing. Fermentation CDMOs serve as essential partners in the bio-based pigment industry, offering expertise in process development, scale-up, customization, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, cost optimization, and supply chain management.
In the food industry, fermentation CDMOs play a crucial role in assisting companies by producing natural food colorants through microbial fermentation. These colorants serve as clean-label alternatives to synthetic additives, aligning with the industry's shift toward natural and transparent food products. The expertise of fermentation CDMOs in scaling up production processes ensures the efficient and reliable supply of natural colorants, contributing to the development of high-quality, flavorful, and bioactive ingredients for food and healthcare product in line with industry trends and regulatory standards.
Laboratory Production of Natural Pigments
In addition to the dye industry, the use of microbial fermentation to obtain food pigments has gradually gained traction in recent years. This includes both pollution factors caused by synthetic food dyes and the land resource tension brought about by the natural pigment industry. Instead of using high-value raw materials that could be used to feed humans, the production of natural edible pigments can be shifted to the laboratory, requiring only sugar as the raw material to achieve highly efficient conversion.
The laboratory production of natural pigments aims to obtain pigments from natural sources, such as plants, microorganisms, or other organic materials, using scientific and biotechnological techniques. The goal is to produce pigments that are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and free from synthetic additives. In this process, precision techniques, including genetic engineering and microbial fermentation, can be used to manipulate organisms or specific pathways involved in pigment production. These controlled environments allow for the efficient and targeted synthesis of natural pigments with desired properties.
The laboratory production of natural pigments plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in various industries, including food, cosmetics, textiles, and more. It aligns with the broader trend of seeking environmentally conscious alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes.
