Microbial degumming

Although ramie fibre is usually degummed chemically, there have been promising developments in microbial degumming (retting). Additionally some researchers reports that the use of ultrasonic vibrations speeds up the degumming process. The enzymatic treatment seems to be promising. 

Microbial degumming with mixed bacterial cultures is thus a good alternative to chemical degumming this process involves several treatments to obtain good-quality fibres. The mixed degumming method is simple and economical in that less alkali is required, the treatment is less drastic, and such fibre properties as softness, feel, and lustre are also much improved. The combined microbial and chemical method is simpler and more economical. 

Clausen K. 2001. Enzymatic OU-Degumming by a Novel Microbial Phospholipase. Eur. J. lipid Sci. 

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