Biotechnological Approach for Indigo Dye Production from Natural Resources for Green Environment

• Published in: The Journal of plant science research Vol. 27; no. 2; p. 215
• Main Authors: Sarangi, Bijaya Ketan, Tiwari, Sarita, Datta, Saikat, Mudliar, Sandeep, Vaidya, Atul Narayan, Pandey, Ram Awatar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Prints Publications Pvt. Ltd 01.07.2011
• Subjects: Biomass; Dyes; Environmental engineering; Environmental impact; Genetic engineering; Indigofera; Metabolites; India
• ISSN: 0970-2539; 0976-3880

The skill for indigo dye production from Indigofera plant was well established in India from ancient time and exported out to other parts of the world, until the beginning of 19th century. Afterwards, due to advent of synthetic indigo produced through chemical synthesis, the technical know-how of indigo production from plant biomass through biological processes was lost. Due to cheap price and large scale production the synthetic indigo quickly took place of the natural indigo. Consequently, adverse affects by use of the synthetic indigo appeared within a short period, and now it has become a serious cause of environment pollution. One of the strategies to alleviate the problem is reintroduction of the natural dye from biological origin. In view of this, development of biotechnological processes for indigo production from biological resources has become a R&D priority. This paper outlines the existing chemical process, and enumerates the scope of biotechnological processes for indigo production. In this connection, scope of tissue culture process as an alternative for indigo production from Indigofera plant is highlighted with emphasis on R&D strategies to enhance production. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]