Bacterial Indigo Reduction

Abstract

We have examined bacterial indigo reduction to provide a basis for the development of a sustainable alternative to the present chemical methods used to reduce indigo for denim dyeing. Indigo was reduced by Clostridium isatidis, but not by the related Clostridium aurantibutyricum, Clostridium celatum nor Clostridium papyrosolvens. However C. papyrosolvens could, like C. isatidis, reduce the soluble dye, indigo carmine. Of the bacteria examined only the supernatant from C. isatidis cultures decreased indigo particle size. An anthraquinone-rich madder root extract, the soluble anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonic acid and humic acid all stimulated the reduction of indigo by C. isatidis, without affecting the redox potential of the cultures. C. isatidis cultures generated redox potentials from −476 to −602 mV vs SCE, which were about 100 mV more negative than those of the other bacteria examined. The mechanism of bacterial indigo reduction remains unknown, but the unique features of the indigo-reducing C. isatidis indicate possible mechanisms.

• Anthraquinones
• Clostridium
• Indigo reduction
• Redox potentials