Natural Quinone Dyes: A Review on Structure, Extraction Techniques, Analysis and Application Potential

Abstract

Synthetic dyes are by far the most widely applied colourants in industry. However, environmental and sustainability considerations have led to an increasing efforts to substitute them with safer and more sustainable equivalents. One promising class of alternatives is the natural quinones; these are class of cyclic organic compounds characterized by a saturated (C6) ring that contains two oxygen atoms that are bonded to carbonyls and have sufficient conjugation to show color. Therefore, this study looks at the potential of isolating and applying quinone dye molecules from a sustainable source as a possible replacement for synthetic dyes. It presents an in-depth description of the three main classes of quinoid compounds in terms of their structure, occurrence biogenesis and toxicology. Extraction and purification strategies, as well as analytical methods, are then discussed. Finally, current dyeing applications are summarised. The literature review shows that natural quinone dye compounds are ubiquitous, albeit in moderate quantities, but all have a possibility of enhanced production. They also display better dyeability, stability, brightness and fastness compared to other alternative natural dyes, such as anthocyanins and carotenoids. Furthermore, they are safer for the environment than are many synthetic counterparts. Their extraction, purification and analysis are simple and fast, making them potential substitutes for their synthetic equivalents. Graphic Abstract

Understanding the evolution of a de novo molecule generator via characteristic functional group monitoring

“…This result indicates that ChemTS predicted that 1,2-quinone is an important functional group for long-wavelength absorption. Dyes with anthraquinone and 1,4-quinone structures are well known [ 18 ]. However, although 1,2-quinone is considered a cofactor [ 28 ] and a building block in heterocyclic synthesis [ 29 ], it has received little attention as a chromophore.…”

“…Among them, derivatives of 1,4-quinon and 1,2-quinon were outstanding. While the former is one of the most well-known chromophores [ 18 ], the latter has not been recognized as a chromophore. In fact, the chromophore database [ 17 ] contains the former, but not the latter.…”

Rubiadin exerts an acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effect in rodents

“…), Rubiadin (0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg, 2006). Anthraquinones are commonly known and used in medicine, food chemistry, and the dye industry (Dulo et al, 2021). Particularly, the synthetic and natural derivatives of 9, 10-anthracenedione have shown many useful impacts in humans and mammals, including anti-trypanosomal, anti-neoplastic, and anti-bacterial activities.…”

Anthocyanins, Carotenoids and Chlorophylls in Edible Plant Leaves Unveiled by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

“…However, beyond beauty, they possess crucial functions in the life cycle of several organisms. In plants, chlorophyll and carotenoids enable photosynthesis [7], quinones convert light in energy [8] and flavonoids are produced under stress conditions [9]. In the animalia kingdom, myoglobin and hemoglobin allow life through oxygen transport [10] and melanin acts as a screen protector [11].…”