Extremozymes as Future Appropriate Benign Elements for Eco-friendly Wet Processing of Wool and Silk

Abstract

Wool and silk are the most common protein fibers in the textile and clothing fields. They pass through many preparative and finishing wet processing, which are extensive energy and water-consuming operations. Any technique or tool which may share in reduction of energy and water consumption during wet processing is a subject of highest priority for industrialists, technologists, and economists related to the field. This article review discusses the feasibility of using the extremozymes as possible future elements in saving energy and water consumption during textile wet processing. The extremozymes, viz. thermophilic and basophilic enzymes, would enable the textile chemists and colorists to combine two wet processes in one bath, and hence, the consumption of water and energy could be minimized. Various classes of extremozymes, namely proteases, lipases, cellulases, pectinases, and xylanases, are appropriate candidate for some wet processes of natural protein fibers. These include carbonization, scouring, bleaching, dyeing, shrink-proofing, and anti-pilling of wool as well as degumming of natural silk.

Keywords

• extremozymes
• thermophiles
• wool
• silk
• fibers
• wet processes