Improving Indigo Reduction to Leuco-Indigo by Glucose by Means of Direct Electron Transfer and Electron Carriers of Enzymes

In this study, the reduction of indigo to leuco-indigo by glucose was improved by the use of enzymes, such as glucose oxidase (GOD) and laccase (LAC). In fact, indigo received electrons from the glucose oxidation reaction or the glucose degradation via intermediates resulting in production of leuco-indigo. For indigo reduction involving GOD or LAC, the redox centers of GOD and LAC act as electron carriers from the reduced glucose or transfer electrons directly to indigo molecules. Thus, the turnover rate of electron flow between glucose and indigo by means of these enzymes was increased and improved leuco-indigo production, by about 2-5 times the rate without enzymes. Enzymatically reduced indigo was applied to the dyeing of ramie fabric.

Automated summary

In this study, the use of enzymes, such as glucose oxidase (GOD) and laccase (LAC), improved the reduction of indigo to leuco-indigo by glucose. These enzymes acted as electron carriers from reduced glucose or directly transferred electrons to indigo molecules, increasing the turnover rate of electron flow between glucose and indigo. As a result, leuco-indigo production was improved by 2-5 times compared to the rate without enzymes. Enzymatically reduced indigo was then used for dyeing ramie fabric.