Microbial Violacein as a Sustainable Pigment for Textile Dyeing: Biosynthesis, Dye–Fiber Interactions, and Industrial Perspectives
Nelson Durán
*
Laboratory of Urogenital Carcinogenesis and Immunotherapy, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Symone C. de Castro
Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Fabio Henrique dos Santos Rodrigues
Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Gerson Nakazato
Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, Department of Microbiology, Biology Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Ljubica Tasic
*
Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil and National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioanalytics – Lauro Kubota (INCT-Bio L.K.), Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Environmental concerns regarding the persistence and toxicity of synthetic colourants have stimulated increasing interest in sustainable bio-based pigments for textile applications. Among emerging alternatives, violacein, a purple indole-derived pigment produced by several bacterial species, has attracted considerable attention due to its intense colouration, molecular stability, and intrinsic antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in violacein research, with particular emphasis on its applicability in textile dyeing and functional fabrics. Developments in microbial biosynthesis, extraction, and purification strategies are discussed alongside reported dyeing performance on both natural and synthetic fibres. Key parameters including dye–fibre interactions, colour strength, fastness properties, and process optimisation are evaluated to assess material performance and industrial relevance. The environmental implications of violacein-based dyeing systems are also analysed within the context of sustainable textile production. Challenges associated with large-scale microbial production, pigment standardisation, regulatory constraints, and economic feasibility are critically discussed. Finally, emerging market perspectives and future research directions are highlighted. Overall, violacein is presented as a promising bio-based pigment with significant potential to contribute to sustainable textile colouration and multifunctional material development.
Keywords: Bio-based dyes, Dye–fibre interactions, fastness properties, indole-derived pigments, microbial pigments, sustainable textile colouration