Application of violet pigment from Chromobacterium violaceum UTM5 in textile dyeing

Natural dyes and pigments are emerged as an important alternative to potentially harmful synthetic dyes. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly/non-toxic colourants specifically for textile dyeing because of its sustainability, green chemistry and improved eco-balances. The present study aimed to evaluate the dyeing potential of violet pigment from Chromobacterium violaceum UTM5. Dye-ability of violet pigment on different fabrics, i.e. pure cotton, pure silk, pure rayon, jacquard rayon, silk satin, cotton and polyester were tested using mordants and colour fastness tests were performed. Results from this study showed that violet pigment is capable of dyeing both natural and synthetic fibres. The use of slake lime mordant resulted in darker colour for cotton and silk satin. The colour fastness test showed fair to excellent (3/4) rating for fabrics dyed with violet pigment. This study demonstrates that violet pigment may have commercial demand in the textile industry.