Applications of Transglutaminase in Textile, Wool, and Leather Processing

Abstract

Transglutaminase (TGase) has been used in food industry since it reconstitutes small meat pieces into a steak. In addition, its application in pharmaceutical industry is well investigated and still under further study. However, the application of TGases in textile and leather industry was minimal before a decade. Hence, this paper reviews the potential applications of TGases in textile and leather fabrication. The enzyme recovers the wool and silk damaged during chemical and enzymatic treatment at different stages of wool and silk processing. It enhances the shrink resistance of the wool and it improves the tensile strength of the wool fibers. In addition, TGase allows the grafting of amines or proteins to bring desired properties in wool fibers. Furthermore, smoothed and better color fastness can be obtained from wool treated with TGase. TGase is also used to fill voids with caseins and gelatines in leather industry. TGases play a great role in wool, silk and leather processing.