Trichoderma Reesei Cellulases in Processing of Cotton

摘要

Today the use of enzymes in textile processing and after-care is already well established industrial technology. Enzymatic process applications have increased substantially due to developments in genetic engineering, as specific enzymes can be efficiently modified for targeted applications. In addition, being biological molecules and efficient catalysts, enzymes can provide environmentally acceptable routes to replace harsh chemicals. Furthermore enzymatic processes can be applied using equipment already existing in the textile industry. In the present investigation, purified T. reesei cellulases CBHI, CBHII, EGI and EG II were used to treat different types of cotton fabrics in order to evaluate the effects of individual mono-component cellulases on cotton properties. By comparing the impact of mono-component cellulases on cotton twill and poplin woven fabrics and interlock knitted fabric, it became apparent that cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases have different effects on the tested fabrics. CBHII did not have any pronounced effect on cotton. By contrast CBHI produced significant amounts of reducing sugars and caused weight loss of fabrics. When a high hydrolysis degree was used, i.e. the weight loss was pronounced, EGII caused more strength loss than either EGI or CBHs. By limiting the treatment time and using additional mechanical action it was observed that EGII was able to improve the pilling properties of cotton fabrics even at low weight and strength loss levels.