# Functionalization of textile using streptomyces erythrogriseus GH80 brown bioactive pigment with in silico studies

## TL;DR

A new brown pigment from Streptomyces erythrogriseus GH80 is shown to be stable and effective for textile functionalization, offering self-cleaning and UV protection properties.

## Contribution

Identification and characterization of a novel Streptomyces strain producing a stable brown pigment suitable for sustainable textile applications.

## Key findings

- The pigment extract retained over 90% of its content after heat treatment up to 100°C.
- The pigment showed maximum stability at alkaline pH levels and provided UV protection when applied to textiles.
- The pigment demonstrated antibacterial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. typhi on dyed fabrics.

## Abstract

In our current study, we locate, summarize, and assess the information about the potential of Streptomyces strains as biological sources of bioactive pigments. We discovered S. erythrogriseus GH80, a new bacterium that produces brown pigment using 16 S rRNA. Bacteria produced the brownest pigment under optimal conditions: starch 2.0% (w/v), potassium nitrate 0.2% (w/v), dibasic sodium phosphate as a phosphorous source, 2% inoculum size, pH level 8, volume ratio 20%, 180 rpm rotation speed, 37°C temperature, and 8-day incubation. Using ethanol, pigment extraction worked effectively. The data showed no significant pigment change at 40, 50, or 60°C. Increased heat treatment of pigment extract to 70, 80, 90, and 100°C for 60 min maintained pigment retention at 96, 95, 92, and 90% of total content. The pigment extract demonstrated its maximum stability at alkaline pH values of 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and 10.0 over the holding period. Full UV-visible spectroscopic screening was utilized to characterize pigments, with a λmax at 420 nm and extract probable absorption maxima between 380 and 460 nm. GC/MS analysis of the brown pigment extract found that terbinafine (66.46%) was the main component, followed by palmitic acid, methyl ester (8.55%), 10-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (4.32%), and other fatty acids. The brown pigment from S. erythrogriseus GH80 possesses biological activity, according to GC/MS analysis. S. erythrogriseus strain GH80 is a viable alternative to synthetic dyes, producing brilliant colors and providing self-cleaning and UV protection. At certain concentrations and pH levels, cotton showed the most brilliant color strength. The pigment improved the self-cleaning characteristics of the dyed materials by removing stains. Outdoor uses were possible with dyed fabrics’ UV protection. Due to its fastness, the pigment may be used in sustainable textile manufacturing. Treatment of wool and polyester textile samples showed greater pathogen-fighting efficiency. E. coli and P. aeruginosa inhibited cotton 100% (67.9% and 76.16%, respectively), while S. typhi inhibited polyester (86.6%). P. aeruginosa inhibited cotton/polyester 50/50 (62.059%).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-025-04503-5.