Enzymatic Dyeing of Wool Fibers with Enhancement of Strength Using Laccase as Catalyst

Laccase-catalyzed polymerization of catechol on wool yarns was explored in this study, their dyeing performance and physical properties were also analyzed. Wool yarns were pretreated by chemical (Na2CO3) and plasma treatment. Catechol oligomers were then deposited or cross-linked on wool fibers through laccase-catalyzed reaction. It was shown that both chemical (Na2CO3) and plasma pretreatment could promote the subsequent dyeing process. Besides, the capacity of laccase to oxidize catechol was observed by UV-vis spectra. The FTIR spectra and SEM observation confirmed the coating of oligomers on wool. The results show that laccase-catalyzed reaction could be an efficient methodology for the in-situ coloration and performance enhancement in tensile strength, abrasion resistance, alkali solubility and antioxidant activity of wool.