Cynodontin: A secondary metabolite and dyestuff intermediate

Abstract

The feasibility of exploiting microorganisms to produce more environmentally friendly anthraquinone dyes was investigated. A fungal culture, Curvularia lunata, was identified as producing an anthraquinone biochromophore composed of over 70% cynodontin (1,4,5,8-tetrahydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone). Cynodontin of this purity was considered to be a suitable dyestuff intermediate and a method for dye production is described. Properties of the biodye were compared with those of Disperse Blue 7, the chemically synthesised equivalent.