Characterization of the Red Dye From Arthrinium phaeospermum and Its Application in Wood Dyeing

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the production, stability and applicability of dyes produced by filamentous fungi isolated from wood. First, the effect of culture conditions on fungal growth and dye production was investigated. The dyes were experimentally studied for solubility and stability and chemically characterized by FT‐IR and UPLC‐Q‐EXACTIVE‐MS. Finally, the dye was used to evaluate its industrial applicability by staining a variety of woods. The results showed that the filamentous fungus Arthrinium phaeospermum was able to produce red water‐soluble pigments, which were thermally and ultraviolet stable and remained stable in pH 1−9. Chemical analysis showed that the red dye contained the chromogenic substances bostrycin and about 7.01% of griseofulvin. Dyeing experiments showed that the red dye was able to give the wood a red color and a natural grain. The results of various experiments indicate that A. phaeospermum has the potential to produce dyes for use in the wood dyeing and textile industries.