Publicação
Microalgae-powered sustainable textile dyeing and functionalization
| Resumo: | The textile industry is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, standing out as one of the largest contributors to global pollution. Conventional dyeing and finishing/functionalization processes are highly resource-intensive and depend on hazardous chemicals, contributing to water contamination and waste generation (1). In response, new policies and the growing consumer demands and concerns for sustainable and ethical products, the textile industry is undergoing a revolutionary change towards sustainability (2). Within this context, marine algae have emerged as a renewable and versatile bioresource, offering pigments, biopolymers and bioactive compounds with strong potential for textile applications (3). The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of marine algae for sustainable textile dyeing and functionalization through two strategies applied to natural-based fabrics (flax knit and wool). In the first approach, various microalgae species (e.g., Tetraselmis chuii, Nannochloropsis gaditana) were individually incorporated into an acrylic formulation. These formulations produced uniform coatings by dip-pad-dry technique with stable colour strength (K/S values) after several wash cycles, demonstrating the feasibility of microalgae as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. Beyond coloration, the functionalized textiles demonstrated improved properties, including UV protection and antioxidant activity, underscoring the multifunctional benefits of algae-based formulations. In the second approach, alginate extracted from the brown macroalga Laminaria ochroleuca was explored as a bio-based matrix to incorporate microalgae. This strategy highlights the potential of combining micro- and macroalgae for creating innovative, entirely bio-derived dyeing and finishing formulations. Overall, the findings reinforce the potential of marine algae can drive sustainable innovation within the textile sector. By addressing both colouration and functionality, microalgae-powered formulations open new opportunities for eco-friendly and high-value textiles. This research contributes to advancing blue and circular economy, positioning algae as crucial contributors to the transition towards greener and high-performance textile systems. |
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| Autores principais: | Rocha, Verónica Patrícia Moreira |
| Outros Autores: | Costa, Sofia Maria Soares; Böttcher, Rita Barros; Fangueiro, Raúl; Ferreira, Diana P. |
| Assunto: | Textile industry Dyeing Functionalization Microalgae Alginate Circular economy |
| Ano: | 2025 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | outro |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | The textile industry is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, standing out as one of the largest contributors to global pollution. Conventional dyeing and finishing/functionalization processes are highly resource-intensive and depend on hazardous chemicals, contributing to water contamination and waste generation (1). In response, new policies and the growing consumer demands and concerns for sustainable and ethical products, the textile industry is undergoing a revolutionary change towards sustainability (2). Within this context, marine algae have emerged as a renewable and versatile bioresource, offering pigments, biopolymers and bioactive compounds with strong potential for textile applications (3). The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of marine algae for sustainable textile dyeing and functionalization through two strategies applied to natural-based fabrics (flax knit and wool). In the first approach, various microalgae species (e.g., Tetraselmis chuii, Nannochloropsis gaditana) were individually incorporated into an acrylic formulation. These formulations produced uniform coatings by dip-pad-dry technique with stable colour strength (K/S values) after several wash cycles, demonstrating the feasibility of microalgae as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic dyes. Beyond coloration, the functionalized textiles demonstrated improved properties, including UV protection and antioxidant activity, underscoring the multifunctional benefits of algae-based formulations. In the second approach, alginate extracted from the brown macroalga Laminaria ochroleuca was explored as a bio-based matrix to incorporate microalgae. This strategy highlights the potential of combining micro- and macroalgae for creating innovative, entirely bio-derived dyeing and finishing formulations. Overall, the findings reinforce the potential of marine algae can drive sustainable innovation within the textile sector. By addressing both colouration and functionality, microalgae-powered formulations open new opportunities for eco-friendly and high-value textiles. This research contributes to advancing blue and circular economy, positioning algae as crucial contributors to the transition towards greener and high-performance textile systems. |
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