Horseradish Peroxidase–mediated Polymerization of Natural Phenol and Pyrrole for Coloration and Functionalization of Silk Fabrics

In this study, we successfully polymerized natural phenol (gallic acid, ferulic acid) and pyrrole (Py) monomers by oxidative polymerization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Then, we successfully colored silk fabrics using these chemicals. We analyzed the polymerization mechanism of polyphenol and polypyrrole complexes in detail using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS). In addition, we investigated the electrochemical activity, thermal properties and anti-UV activity of the colored silk fabrics. We found that the oxidative polymerization of phenol and Py on silk fibers under mild reaction conditions using HRP produced technically conductive silk fabrics that combine the superior chemical and physical properties of silk fabrics with superior levels of electrochemical activity and thermal stability. Upon analyzing the color depth of the fabrics, we found that silk fabrics treated with Py have a darker color than silk fabrics treated in the absence of Py. Additionally, the fabrics had slightly different levels of color fastness, but all were within the acceptable range. This technique expands the range of applications of natural phenols for textile dyeing and functionalization as well as providing new prospects for the enzymatically environmentally friendly production of natural functional fabric.