"In Situ" enzymatically prepared polymers for wool coloration

Phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol and ferulic acid can polymerise and therefore develop deep colours when treated with peroxidase and laccase enzymes. We have attempted to apply this phenomenon for wool dyeing. Wool was padded with phenolic compounds and deep colours were developed by enzymatic treatment in buffer solutions. Mordant with chromium compounds or heating under the conditions of acid catalysis was available for fixation of these coloured compounds on the wool fibres.Enzymatically dyed wool samples.[GRAPHICS