192. Reading Between the Dyes: Roya Aghighi Unlocks Biological Pigments at Lite-1

Have you ever wondered why the color in your clothes can be so harmful to the environment? In this episode of the Grow Everything Podcast, Karl and Erum continue their BioDye series with Roya Aghighi, founder of Lite-1. Roya grew up in her mother’s fashion studio and later worked in the industry testing new materials, but she decided to leave after seeing the pollution caused by traditional dyeing methods. She explains how Lite-1 uses engineered microbes to produce colorful pigments through fermentation, beginning with black, one of the most difficult and damaging colors to make sustainably. Roya also discusses why natural variation in biology can be useful rather than a problem, and why the biggest challenge facing biological dyes may be getting brands and investors to share the risks of developing them. She predicts that color could eventually become an important tool for tracking a garment throughout its life. Before the interview, Karl and Erum also discuss radiation-loving microbes, cuts to pathogen testing, and organisms designed with the help of computers. Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and speak with the leaders and innovators using biology to change the world. Biology is the world’s oldest technology, and it can be engineered. So, what are we growing? Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Biology as a technology and why textile dye is so harmful (00:05:00) Microbe expeditions, Bikini Atoll, and a Cyclospora outbreak (00:10:30) Cuts to pathogen monitoring and organisms designed with computers (00:16:40) Meet Roya Aghighi, from growing up in a fashion studio to founding a biotech company (00:22:45) How Lite-1 uses fermentation to create a more sustainable black dye (00:28:30) Why biological variation can be useful information (00:34:30) Focusing on performance, testing, and regeneration instead of sustainability alone (00:40:30) The challenges of cost, scale, and shared risk in the biological dye market (00:47:00) Product standards, traceability, and the next premium opportunity in fashion (00:52:00) Quick-fire questions and final thoughts from the hosts Links and Resources: Lite-1 Bio Roya Aghighi 177. Dye Another Day (REPLAY): The New Way to Color Textiles with Colorifix's Orr Yarkoni 178. Pretty in Pigments: Jesse Adler Colors the Future with Pitri 180. Fungi in Full Color: Ricky Cassini Reimagines Dye at Michroma 181. Can Hue Believe It? Gerit Tolborg’s Quest for Pure Color at Chromologics The Next 500 years - Chris Mason BioAstra Grow Everything LinkedIn BioInnovations Events - For 25% off use code: Grow Everything Topics Covered: biological dyes, microbial color production, sustainable black dye, textile dye pollution, fermentation-based colorants, bio-based textile dyes, regenerative fashion, traceable garment dyes, synthetic dye alternatives, Lite-1 Bio Have a question or comment? Message us here: Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music by: Nihilore Production by: Amplafy Media