Modified emodin bioactiive dye for antiviral and antibacterial textiles
A library of chemically modified emodin derivatives (halogenated, nitrated, sulfonated, aminated) that serve as natural-origin dyes with enhanced antiviral and antibacterial properties for textiles. The dyes bond to silk and polyamide without mordants, retain bioactivity after binding, and are suited for external-use applications such as protective filters.
Overview
This solution offers a library of chemically modified emodin derivatives that function as bioactive dyes for textiles. Derived from emodin, a natural dye sourced from Japanese knotweed, these modifications alter color properties, enhance antibacterial and antiviral performance, and improve bonding to textile fibers. The dyes have demonstrated strong activity against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Human Coronavirus NL63, with antiviral potency comparable to remdesivir. Because the compounds retain their antibacterial activity after binding to textiles and do not require mordants, they offer a streamlined path to functional fabrics suitable for external applications such as protective filters and antimicrobial clothing.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Library of modified emodins including halogenated, nitrated, sulfonated, and aminated variants
- Simple dyeing process for silk and polyamide textiles without the need for mordants
- Antibacterial activity confirmed against MSSA
- Antiviral activity against Human Coronavirus NL63 with IC50 of 0.5 micromolar for the lead compound (E-3I), comparable to remdesivir (IC50 0.6 micromolar)
- Antibacterial activity retained after binding to textile carriers
- Some cytotoxic activity observed against Vero cells, making the compounds more appropriate for external-use products
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. A library of modified emodin compounds has been synthesized and characterized, and initial bioactivity testing has been completed for both antibacterial and antiviral properties. Binding to textiles and retention of antibacterial activity after dyeing have been verified. Next steps include developing next-generation emodins with improved targeted properties such as dye stability, activity, cytotoxicity, and color variety, as well as validating antiviral performance of dyed textiles for filter applications through a partnership.
About University of Ljubljana
The University of Ljubljana is a comprehensive public research university and Slovenia’s largest, anchored in the capital with extensive faculty laboratories and clinical, cultural, and technical assets. Companies engage through a central Knowledge Transfer Office that brokers collaborative R&D, IP licensing, and spin‑out pathways, complemented by the Ljubljana University Incubator for venture creation; the city’s technology park adds a dense startup and scale‑up community. Clinical translation benefits from integration with the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, enabling access to hospital‑based research and patient cohorts. Research is supported by competitive European programs and Slovenia’s national research and innovation agency (ARIS). Clearly defined commercialization routes—technology offers, industry matchmaking, and spin‑outs—help partners move from proof‑of‑concept to market.
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