The application of enzymes in industry and medicine
* Enzymes in the textile and leather industries
Enzymes have been used in the leather industry for many years and more recently have been introduced into modern textile industries.
The main applications of enzymes in the leather industry are proteases which help in the dehairing of the animal hides and lipases are used for degreasing.
Modern fabrics are reinforced with an adhesive called "the size" before weaving. This prevents breaking of the warp threads. Starch is the most common ingredient of the size, combined with lower quantities of other materials such as gelatine and carboxymethylcellulose (cellulose that has been treated to make it water soluble). Harsher chemicals such as alkalis or acids have been traditionally used for desizing, but are now being replaced by enzymes. Apart from the environmental benefit of replacing harsh chemicals with biodegradable enzymes, enzymes have turned out to be less harsh on the main fabric as well. Most desizing preparations declare ?-amylase activity but will contain protease and cellulase as well.
In the modern textile industry enzymes are used increasingly in the finishing of fabrics and clothes. The main component of cotton and other natural fibres is cellulose. Whilst most of the fibres are arranged as long, straight chains some small fibres can protrude from the yarn or fabric. The correct application of a cellulse enzyme can remove these rough bumps giving a smoother, glossier brighter coloured fabric. This technique has become known as Biopolishing and results in not only a softer fabric but also improved colour brightness. The same process has recently been adapted and included in some laundry detergents.
The finishing of denim jeans has also become a popular application for cellulases in the textile industry. Traditionally denim was stonewashed with pumice stones to fade the surface of the garment. A small application of cellulase can replace many of the stones resulting in less damage to the garments and machinery. This technique has become known as Biostoning and can result in much greater fading without high abrasive damage both to the actual fabric and any other accessories (buttons, rivets) on the fabric. Stonewashing enzymes are usually available as either "acid" cellulases (optimum activity around 4.5) or "neutral" cellulases (optimum activity at just below pH 7.0).
* Enzymes in the textile and leather industries
Enzymes have been used in the leather industry for many years and more recently have been introduced into modern textile industries.
The main applications of enzymes in the leather industry are proteases which help in the dehairing of the animal hides and lipases are used for degreasing.
Modern fabrics are reinforced with an adhesive called "the size" before weaving. This prevents breaking of the warp threads. Starch is the most common ingredient of the size, combined with lower quantities of other materials such as gelatine and carboxymethylcellulose (cellulose that has been treated to make it water soluble). Harsher chemicals such as alkalis or acids have been traditionally used for desizing, but are now being replaced by enzymes. Apart from the environmental benefit of replacing harsh chemicals with biodegradable enzymes, enzymes have turned out to be less harsh on the main fabric as well. Most desizing preparations declare ?-amylase activity but will contain protease and cellulase as well.
In the modern textile industry enzymes are used increasingly in the finishing of fabrics and clothes. The main component of cotton and other natural fibres is cellulose. Whilst most of the fibres are arranged as long, straight chains some small fibres can protrude from the yarn or fabric. The correct application of a cellulse enzyme can remove these rough bumps giving a smoother, glossier brighter coloured fabric. This technique has become known as Biopolishing and results in not only a softer fabric but also improved colour brightness. The same process has recently been adapted and included in some laundry detergents.
The finishing of denim jeans has also become a popular application for cellulases in the textile industry. Traditionally denim was stonewashed with pumice stones to fade the surface of the garment. A small application of cellulase can replace many of the stones resulting in less damage to the garments and machinery. This technique has become known as Biostoning and can result in much greater fading without high abrasive damage both to the actual fabric and any other accessories (buttons, rivets) on the fabric. Stonewashing enzymes are usually available as either "acid" cellulases (optimum activity around 4.5) or "neutral" cellulases (optimum activity at just below pH 7.0).