Enzymes in Bast Fibrous Plant Processing

Abstract

The program COST Action 847 Textile Quality and Biotechnology (2000-2005) has given an excellent chance to review the possibilities of the research, aiming at development of the industrial application of enzymes for bast fibrous plant degumming and primary processing. The recent advancements in enzymatic processing of bast fibrous plants (flax, hemp, jute, ramie and alike plants) and related textiles are given. The performance of enzymes in degumming, modification of bast fibres, roving, yarn, related fabrics as well as enzymatic bonding of lignocellulosic composites is provided.

Evidence of thermostable amylolytic activity from Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis using wheat bran and corncob as alternative carbon source

“…Significant activity levels were observed with the procedures of Bergmeyer and Bernt [17] which measures glucose and consequently glucoamylase activity (220 lmol/min) and also by Fuwa [18] procedure, appropriate for dextrinizing activity (a-amylase 310 lmol/ min) confirming the previous results. Avicelase and alkaline proteases appeared at low levels (70 lmol/min), nevertheless, other hydrolases, such as xylanase, pectinase, and acid and neutral proteases were detected in significant levels (963.3; 251.1; 1210 and 1935 lmol/min, respectively), further suggesting industrial applications of the fermentation procedure and the organism reported here [11,29,30].…”

Bioscouring of jute fabric by cellulase-free alkalo-thermostable xylanase from Bacillus pumilus ASH

“…Addition of EDTA further to buffer and enzyme solution resulted in an increase in brightness and whiteness. Addition of EDTA facilitates the removal of water extractable impurities and calcium ions from the region that connect the macromolecule in pectin to one another or pectin to other polysaccharides [29]. Similarly, Csiszar et al reported that EDTA markedly enhanced the apparent activity of commercial xylanases and pectinases in cotton bioscouring, accelerating the degradation and removal of impurities [30].…”

Osmosis Phenomena Based Degumming of Bast Fibrous Plants as a Promising Method in Primary Processing

“…followed by enzymatic, chemical or physical processing of fibres. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The scheme of the fibre plant degumming methods is shown in Figure 1.…”

“…An example of such methods is extraction of fibre by using the natural physical laws: water diffusion, osmosis and osmotic pressure [4][5][6][7][15][16][17][18][19]. All fibrous plants, especially flax and hemp, can undergo degumming process, where multiple water change or continuous water flow is used.…”