Simultaneous Coloration and Functionalization of Wool, Silk, and Nylon with the Tyrosinase-Catalyzed Oxidation Products of Caffeic Acid

The use of polyphenol oxidases in low environmental impact biotechnology is launching a new dyeing technology in textile industry. In this work, the simultaneous coloration and functionalization of wool, silk, and nylon fabrics with the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation products of caffeic acid were investigated. The occurrence of polymerization of caffeic acid resulting in colored quinone derivatives was confirmed by UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. The treated fabrics showed distinct color with excellent rub fastness and staining fastness but weak light fastness and color change fastness. The color depth of dyed fabrics depended greatly on the dosage of tyrosinase employed in the preparation of caffeic acid oxidation products and the pH of dyebath. The multifunctionalities of dyed fabrics such as deodorizing ability, UV protection capacity, antioxidant activity and hydrophilicity were achieved. Tyrosinase-catalyzed caffeic acid products can be used as potential colorants and functional finishing agents.