Simultaneous protease and transglutaminase treatment for shrink resistance of wool

Abstract

A bioprocess for machine washable wool, combining the advantages of both protease and transglutaminase in a simultaneous enzymatic treatment has been developed. This process reduced the felting tendency of woven wool fabrics by 9% at the expense of only 2% weight and tensile strength loss. In contrast to previously described protease-based processes for shrink resistant wool, the anti-felting properties achieved in the simultaneous enzymatic treatment produced insignificant fibre damage, confirmed also by scanning electron images of the fabrics.