Pigmentos microbianos para uma indústria têxtil sustentável e inovadora

The main objective of InnovColor project is to develop novel biopigments from actinobacteria and cyanobacteria to apply in textile dyeing processes. It is intended to combine these biopigments, exploring the application in trichomias to extend the range of colors achieved. Embracing a circular approach, agri-food waste will serve as the feedstock for biopigment production via fermentation. It is thus aimed to develop robust industrial biotech processes, offering a feasible, sustainable, circular and eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic dyes. The specific objectives of InnovColor are: 1. To explore culture collections of actinobacteria and cyanobacteria in search of biopigments suitable for textile dyeing applications, and compile a comprehensive virtual catalog based on the obtained data; 2. To conduct heterologous expression of the BGCs responsible for biopigments production; 3. To perform chemical analysis of the heterologously expressed biopigments; 4. To assess the environmental sustainability and health safety of the produced biopigments; 5. To optimize fermentation processes for biopigment production using agrifood waste as culture media; 6. To validate the practical feasibility and effectiveness of using biopigments produced by heterologous expression for textile dyeing and promote innovation by conducting trichromatic analyses. The concept of using biopigments sourced from microbial origin to dye textiles is not a new idea and has gained traction within the textile industry. Several companies, such as Colorifix, PILI, Huee, and Viena Textile Lab, have already made strides in this direction, showcasing the viability of biobased pigments for sustainable textile coloration. These companies have harnessed the capabilities of microorganisms to produce pigments and applied them to fabrics, aligning with the demand for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic dyes. However, these companies are limited to a small set of colors and to poor color fastness. InnovColor stands out by introducing novel dimensions to this existing paradigm. While other companies focus on coloration alone, our project extends beyond to address the development of trichromatic colors, enabling the recreation of existing Pantone shades in the textile industry. Furthermore, our project pioneers the use of agrifood waste materials as feedstock for biopigment production, fostering a circular economy approach. This unique strategy besides contributing to waste reduction, also promotes resource efficiency, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and circularity. Additionally, the optimization of the heterologous expression of BGCs responsible for biopigments production will contradict the barriers associated with economically feasible biopigment production. The production model used will also differ from the referred companies, mainly because powdered biopigments will be used in textile dyeing, guaranteeing a similar process to the conventional application of synthetic dyes. Following the urgent demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the textile industry, InnovColor will introduce a much-needed alternative to synthetic dyes. Therefore, assays will be developed to assure biopigments environmental and health safety, based on ecotoxicological, biodegradation and cytotoxic assessments.