Enzymes in detergents

Enzymes in Detergency, edited by Jan H. van Ee, Onno Misset, and Erik J. Baas... 

The ever-greater use of a wide range of enzymes in detergents to improve washing results is another complication in the monitoring process, particularly as they occur in very low concentrations. Solutions for applications in domestic washing machines are not currently known. 

Since the mid-60s, the use of enzymes in detergents has been the largest of all enzyme applications. Over half of all detergents presently available contain enzymes, in particular proteases, amylases, lipases and ceUulases. Besides improved washing efficiency, the use of enzymes allows lower temperatures and shorter wash periods (of agitation) to be employed, often after a preliminary period of soaking. Further in this chapter (section 3.3) the detergent enzymes are worked out in more detail. 

Mukherjee, A. K., Adhikari, H., Rai, S. K. (2008). Rroduction of alkaline protease by a thermophilic Bacillus subtilis under solid-state fermentation (SSF) condition using Imperata cylindrical grass and potato peel as low-cost medium Characterization and application of enzyme in detergent formulation. Biochem. Engg. J.,39, 353-361. 

Van Ee JH, Misset O, Baas EJ (1997) Enzymes in detergency. Marcel Dekker, New York... 

The use of enzymes in detergent formulations became a practical matter in the mid-1960s when Novo Industry began production of proteases by microbial fermentation. These enzymes were stable at the high temperatures and alkalinity encountered in dishwashing. 

Prior to the introduction of compacts, the use of enzymes in detergents was limited primarily to one class of enzymes—the proteases. Proteases catalyze the hydrolysis... 

Becker T, Park G, Gaertner AL. (1997) Formulation of detergent enzymes. In Misset EJH, Baas EJ, editors. Enzymes in Detergency. New York Marcel Dekker, pp. 299-325. 

Liquid formulation in this context means nonsolid formulations. The vast majority of liquid formulations are based on water with a varying degree of other components present, although liquid nonwater formulations of enzymes have been described. The most important of the issues listed in Table 27.2, when working with liquid formulations, is the stability of the formulated enzyme product as well as the final liquid detergent. A comprehensive overview of the stability issues of enzymes in detergents is given in Ref. 11. Stability can be divided into enzymatic, physical, and microbial stability. 

Stubb S (1972) Enzymes in detergents as cause of respiratory and skin symptoms (in Finnish). Duodecim 88 721-724 Tarvainen K, Kanerva L, Grenquist-Norden B, Estlander T (1991a) Berufsallergien durch Cellulase, Xylanase und Alpha-Amylase. Z Hautkr 66 964-967... 

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