Properties of cotton fabrics treated by protease and its multienzyme combinations

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2009-11, Vol.114 (3), p.1567-1573
• Main Authors: Kalantzi, Styliani, Mamma, Diomi, Kalogeris, Emmanuel, Kekos, Dimitris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cotton; Crystallinity; Enzymes; Exact sciences and technology; Fabrics; fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; mechanical properties; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Protease; Scouring; Technology of polymers; Textiles; Waxes
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.30677

A commercial serine-type protease preparation (Alcalase) was examined as a scouring agent for cotton fabrics. Application of the enzyme induced moderate changes in the composition of fibers that were mainly associated with the removal of protein and waxes. The relationship between the compositional modifications and structural transformations, which were reflected in the crystallinity index of the bioscoured cotton fibers, was demonstrated. The protease-treated textiles displayed superior whiteness and outstanding compressional resilience but exhibited a poor hydrophilicity and dyeing capacity. One-step scouring at neutral conditions, where proteolytic activity was supported by multienzyme combinations, could generate textiles with sufficient water absorbency and advanced performance. The implementation of the appropriate scouring conditions (concentration and combination of enzymes) could form fabrics with the desired physicochemical and micromechanical properties.