Optimized production and characterization of red dye from Talaromyces purpureogenus PH7 for application as a textile dye

Switching from use of synthetic dyes in the textile industry to ecofriendly organic dyes will be a good initiative to safeguard the environment. As an attempt to contribute to the cause, this study optimized conditions for the growth of a rhizospheric fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus PH7 (PQ281486) and production of a red dye by it, under lab conditions. Additionally, the dye produced by the strain was applied to cotton and cotton fabrics following the standard staining procedure and the dyed fabrics were subjected to washes with hot and cold water, detergents and continuous sunlight as preliminary tests for its use as a potential dye of the textile industry. Maximum growth of the strain and dye production by it were attained at 28 °C and pH7 using dextrose as source carbon in the Czapek medium. On the other hand, high concentration of sodium chloride significantly reduced growth of the strain as well as production of the red dye by it. During evaluation of color as potential textile dye, it efficiently dyed cotton and cotton fabrics that did not get faded by any of the experimental treatments including exposure to hot/cold water, detergents and sunlight. It's appealing that the effluents generated during culturing of the strain could have an overall beneficial impact on the environment as it produces metabolites with important roles in well-being of plant, like IAA, flavonoids, phenolics, lipids, proteins and sugars, and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the fungus T. purpureogenus PH7 is a promising candidate for producing a natural, biodegradable yet durable red textile-grade dye in an eco-friendly manner.