Synthesis of Indigo-Dyes from Indole Derivatives by Unspecific Peroxygenases and Their Application for In-Situ Dyeing

Tyrian purple (also known as royal or imperial purple) is the oldest commercial pigment and still one of most expensive dyes, often associated with wardrobes clergy royalty. It a brominated derivative indigo, natural dye that has been used since 4000 BC. Moreover, just recently, therapeutic value indigoids for treatment several disorders was discovered. The manufacturing indigo derivatives by existing chemical routes become increasingly uninteresting due to use aggressive reagents, starting materials high-energy costs. Thus, both dyestuff manufacturers pharmaceutical industry are interested in development gentle preparation methods from simple precursors. Here, we describe enzymatic method one-step synthesis other fungal peroxygenases (UPO, EC 1.11.2.1). reaction does not require complex co-substrates works well phosphate buffers H2O2 (<0.1 wt%) less than 5% (v/v) acetonitrile co-solvent. We demonstrate scaling up 10 Liters established thereupon an environmentally friendly combined in-situ dyeing process, further simplifying vat-dyed fabrics. Eventually, screened number halogen-substituted indoles search novel derivatives, which may be interest and/or purposes.