Enzyme applications in fabric and dyestuff processing

Cellulases are increasingly being used in the textile industry. Their most successful application is in producing the stone-washed look of denim garments. Other processes that improve fabric appearance by removing fuzz fibres and pills or deliver softening benefits have also been introduced. 

25 FTIR spectra of unmodified and modified bacterial cellulose (static culture). 

26 SEM photographs of modified bacterial cellulose (a) sample MBC/0 and (b) sample MBC/M. 

Scouring and bleaching of cotton fabrics are also attractive targets for enzyme-based processes, due to the severe environmental impact of these processes. These processes are also very energy demanding. Raw cotton contains about 10% of impurities. Pectins, waxes and coloured components can all be partially removed from raw cotton by enzymatic treatments but the residual seed coating remains a problem. 

Cotton processing provides several possibilities for enzyme applications. The removal of cotton impurities is essential for fabric manufacture and is generally carried out by scouring with alkali. However, environmentally harsh scouring can be replaced with an enzymatic treatment, in which cotton impurities, such as protein, wax, pectin and ash, can be efficiently removed 

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