Fast pigmentation technology with Monascus: Development of sportswear dyed via Hydrodynamic Cavitation

• Grant number: 25/26359-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Silvio Silvério da Silva
• Grantee: Gabriela Tavares Romero
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The growing concern about environmental pollution and the search for more sustainable practices have driven research into ecological alternatives in the textile industry, which is traditionally characterized by high consumption of water, energy, and chemicals, in addition to the generation of toxic effluents. This research proposes the development of an innovative textile dyeing technology for sportswear, using natural pigments produced by the fungus Monascus ruber, with the application of Hydrodynamic Cavitation as a process intensification tool. The pigments will be obtained through fermentation in media formulated with enzymatic hydrolysates of corn cob, an abundant agro-industrial residue, promoting waste valorization and the concept of circular economy. Two dyeing approaches will be explored: in situ, in which pigment production and dyeing occur simultaneously, and ex situ, in which the pigment is previously produced and subsequently applied to the fabric. The methodologies include hydrolysate preparation, fungal cultivation, cavitational treatments, and evaluation of the dyed fabrics' properties, such as color fixation, mechanical resistance, and stability. The proposal aims to offer an innovative, more sustainable, efficient, and low environmental impact alternative for the textile sector. (AU)