Laccase-catalyzed biomimetic coloration of wool fabrics with phenols

Fungal laccase-catalyzed in situ polymerization of the naturally-occurring phenol syringic acid was used as an environmentally-friendly alternative for wool coloration at room temperature. Through the incorporation of amino acid small molecules in the polymerization process, the polymeric chemistry of syringic acid was changed, and the color appearance obtained was controllably-tuned in a simple way. By using this method, wool fabrics could be dyed with natural yellowish brown color appearances and different color hues.