Certain bacteria in nature produce pigments as a natural defense mechanism against radiation, fungi, or parasites. These pigments can dye fabrics (and other materials) using less water than traditional methods and without relying on synthetic chemicals, which offers us a promising alternative to conventional dyeing practices.
Different bacteria produce different pigments. In the BioTechLab we are working with a species called “Janthinobacterium lividum” (JL), a soil bacterium that produces a purple-blue pigment known as violacein. Below you can find a detailed guide and video instructions on how to work with the bacterium.
A recycled men’s shirt dyed with Janthinobacterium Lividum at BioTechLab Spinderihallerne
A bacterial dye workshop at Vejle Teknisk Gymnasium, together with BioTechlab
A bacterial dye workshop at Vejle Teknisk Gymnasium, together with BioTechlab