Download Enzyme immobilization

Proteases
• Proteases are the most widely used enzymes in the detergent industry.
• They remove protein stains such as grass, blood, egg and human sweat.
These organic stains have a tendency to adhere strongly to textile fibres.
• The proteins act as glues, preventing the waterborne detergent systems
from removing some of the other components of the soiling, such as
pigments and street dirt.
•
The inefficiency of nonenzymatic detergents at removing proteins can result
in permanent stains due to oxidation and denaturing caused by bleaching
and drying.
• Blood, for example, will leave a rustcoloured spot unless it is removed
before bleaching.
• Proteases hydrolyse proteins and break them down into more soluble
polypeptides or free amino acids. As a result of the combined effect of
surfactants and enzymes, stubborn stains can be removed from fibres.