Page 22 - Advances in Textile Biotechnology

Preface

This book is a follow-up to the 2003 publication Textile processing with

enzymes. Whereas the first publication was based on enzyme processes in
textiles and aimed to be a comprehensive guide for students, newcomers
and professionals interested in the area, this book aims to give an updated
vision of biotechnology in textiles.
The impact of biotechnology in the production of textiles is increasingly
significant. Enzyme technology has already proven to be advantageous in

industrial textiles processing of natural fibres. The Novozymes Report 2009

discloses that the major share of the industrial enzyme market is divided
between Novozymes (47%), Danisco Genencor (21%), and DSM (6%),
with the remaining 26% shared between other minor players. Sales of
industrial enzymes have increased by 32% since 2005 and the worldwide
value of the industrial enzyme markets in 2009 was estimated to be about
12000 million.
Detergents are the largest application of industrial enzymes representing
more than 32% of the market size. Food represents 21% of the market, feed
8%, and technical (including textiles, pulp and paper) and others 31%. The
exact share of textiles is not given in the report, but is estimated to be about
10% of industrial enzymes.
Protease is the main enzyme class employed in detergents along with
amylase added for improved removal of proteinaceous and starchy stains.
Cellulases are included in some detergents for improved brightness as well
as for soil removal. The most recent development is the addition of man-
nanase in detergent formulations to remove stains based on guar gum. A
future development could be the addition of redox enzymes to reduce
interfabric staining. Most of the enzymes used in detergents have been
tailored to meet requirements on operational and storage stability. Enhanced
resistance to high ionic forces and/or bleaching agents is a common trend
in detergent enzymes; in addition, new enzymes exist that act at low tem-
peratures for washing with cold water.
The major enzymes in textile applications include amylases (desizing),
catalases (bleach removal/termination) and cellulases (pilling removal,

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© Woodhead Publishing Limited, 2010