Bioscouring of cotton with pectinase enzyme in a non‐aqueous system

Abstract

We have studied bioscouring of cotton using pectinase enzyme in a reverse micellar system. The effectiveness of the bioscouring was evaluated by measuring the weight loss of cotton substrate, analysing the pectin and cotton wax remaining and by wetness testing. Pectinase enzyme showed excellent activity even in organic media, and the degree of the hydrolysis of pectic substances was equivalent or better than that achieved by conventional alkaline scouring or bioscouring in aqueous media. Furthermore, the concentration of enzyme and treatment time required to complete scouring could be appreciably reduced.