Pigment extraction from fungus for textile dyeing

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to isolate and optimize the fermentation conditions of three fungus, namely <i style="">Trichoderma virens</i>,<i style=""> Alternaria alternata </i>and<i style=""> Curvularia lunata</i> to get pigments for the purpose of textile dyeing. Highest optical density has been achieved in potato dextrose broth at 28ºC in 25 days under static conditions. Wool and silk are dyed unmordanted with very good wash and rub fastness. <i style="">Trichoderma virens </i>has demonstrated antifungal property. There is no adverse effect on the tensile strength of the fabric and on the human skin. Paper and thin layer chromatography has revealed that the pigments are multi-component in nature.