Accelerating the development of revolutionary biological dyes

Accelerating the development of revolutionary biological dyes

Fast 2D barcode rack readers and automated tube picking equipment from Ziath are helping Colorifix (Norwich, UK) accelerate the development of revolutionary biological dyes to help the textile industry dramatically reduce its environmental impact.

Photo credit: Ziath Ltd

The dyeing of fabrics by the textile industry represents one of humanity's most polluting industrial processes, using many toxic chemicals and over 5 trillion liters of water each year. Colorifix is ​​the first company to develop a completely biological process for producing, depositing and fixing pigments on textiles. Carefully selecting microorganisms from a vast library of biological samples – Colorifix can produce colors as seen in nature, which are then grown in their laboratories and fermented on a larger scale. This fermentation broth is then used to dye fabrics the desired color. The process uses no toxic chemicals, produces no toxic waste and dramatically reduces the consumption of electricity and water compared to traditional dyeing of synthetic fabrics.

Our large library of bacterial strains and DNA samples is stored in 2D barcoded tube racks. Traditionally, the selection and management of these samples was a time-consuming and error-prone manual process, requiring the time of 3 collaborating staff members. The key driving forces behind our investment in the Ziath Mirage 2D barcode readers and Mohawk automated tube picker were to increase the throughput of the tube selection process, improve the organization and tracking of tubes during their use, and improve the efficiency of our storage of 2D barcode tubes in racks. Additionally, our libraries of biological samples are expanding rapidly and exponentially. Therefore, it was crucial for us to implement an accurate, reliable and fast sample management system before our reference collection becomes much larger.”

Will Alexander, Senior Lab Technician, Colorifix

He added: "By using the Mohawk/Mirage combination, we have been able to speed up our tube selection process, track sample inventory much better, and manage tubes as we use them. The ease of use and broad compatibility with our existing inventory has given us confidence that the Ziath devices will continue to do much of the legwork in managing inventory as we continue to expand our libraries." and will make sure everything stays organized. Users particularly value the speed at which Mirage can scan barcodes and instantly export that data into file formats that work with our existing IT infrastructure, as well as the ease of use of Mirage and Mohawk once fully set up. Ziath's support was second to none, from the first demonstration to helping with the smooth integration of the devices in our workflow and promptly answering any questions we had.”

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