EU researchers develop eco-dyes from enzymes

Published: 8-Dec-2011
Ingredients Research & Development

Sourced from fungi


An EU funded research project has developed eco-friendly dyes made from enzymes that can be used to colour cosmetic products.

The SOPHIED project, coordinated by the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, has extracted the relevant enzymes from fungi using a nutrient-rich fluid bath. After removing the fungi, silica particles are added to the mix to stabilise it and preventing the dye becoming an allergen.

Noting these eco-dyes could have “broad applications…in the cosmetic industry”, a European Commission note said they could also have useful disinfectant qualities. However, work was needed to prevent the dyes losing strength in sunlight, it added.
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