In Boston, synthetic biology firms Octarine Bio and Ginkgo Bioworks have partnered to produce compounds in the tryptophan pathway. Specifically, the two will jointly engineer a strain for producing violacein, a naturally occurring bis-indole pigment with potent bioactive properties. The collaboration may be expanded to other tryptophan-derived compounds.
According to the companies, most textiles are produced with synthetic colors and dyes derived from fossil fuels. The United National Environmental Program and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimate 20% of worldwide wastewater comes from fabric dyeing and treatment.
Ena Cratsenburg, Chief Business Officer at Ginkgo Bioworks, calls the collaboration with Octarine a “robust opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of the fashion industry.”