Team:Berkeley

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Many of the major advances in synthetic biology involve the ability to use microorganisms to synthesize compounds that are difficult or costly to produce chemically. Our team hopes to exploit this familiar application of synthetic biology to achieve an alternative indigo dyeing process.

Indigo, the dye used to make blue jeans around the world, is produced in quantities of tens of thousands of tons every year. The chemical process involves converting vast quantities of aniline into indigo. Because indigo is extremely insoluble in water, this product must be reduced to leuco-indigo, a white soluble substance, using sodium dithionite. This process relies on harsh acids, bases and reducing agents.

Drawing inspiration from plant-based indigo dyeing methods, we propose a more sustainable dyeing method using a chemical called indican as an alternative to leuco-indigo. Read on to learn more about our nature-inspired system!

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