Algae-based Dyes for the Textile Industry

The applications of algae are becoming more popular day by day. From biofuels to nutrients, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and most recently ink and textile dyes. Due to algae’s high lipid content that works best as a substitute for petroleum-based products, and because it is carbon negative and eco-friendly, algae-based dyes can present a transitional solution to the environmental damages caused by the dyeing phases in the textile industry. Researchers have investigated the types, methods, applications, and efficiency of various algae species and types of dyes to serve in various coloring and printing applications. In this paper, we present the possibility of using microalgae as a natural dye for the textile industry. The microalgae studied were mixed species dominated by Chlorella Vulgaris. Pigments were extracted by acetone to create the natural dye which was used on a 100% cotton fabric using basic dying methods. A light-fastness test was subsequently performed, and the results indicated that the algae-colored fabric gained a value similar to those usually obtained with natural dyes.