Ultrasound-boosted enzymatic cotton scouring process with cutinase and pectate lyase

Abstract

The synergistic effect between power ultrasound and enzymes in an enzymatic scouring process has been studied. The scouring enzymes were Fusarium solani pisi cutinase (EC 3.1.1.74) and pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2). In different stages of the scouring process, power ultrasound with a pre-optimized power of 0.57 W cm(-2) and a frequency of 30 kHz was applied. It was found that ultrasound shortens the enzymatic scouring process time dramatically; less than 5 min was required to achieve the desired scouring expressed in terms of hydrophilicity of the cotton fiber. The results obtained have been explained in terms of mass transfer intensification by ultrasound (so-called 'sono-mechanics') and its effect on the enzyme kinetics (so-called 'sono-chemistry'). This latter effect has been found by applying ultrasound in a homogeneous enzymatic reaction in which mass transfer did not play any role. The kinetics of product formation in a homogeneous system was carried out using poly-D-galacturonic acid as a model substrate

Which properties of cutinases are important for applications?

“…Hence, mechanical treatment has in some cases been combined with cutinase-catalysed hydrolysis to achieve faster scouring (Agrawal et al 2008(Agrawal et al , 2010. In other cases, non-ionic detergents have been used for more efficient penetration of the enzyme into the cuticle (Degani et al 2002;Lee et al 2010).…”

Ultrasound-enhanced hair dye application for natural dyeing formulations

“…Maximum effects of cavitation for textile treatment (scouring treatment) and wool dyeing were reported at low frequencies, 20-50 kHz [44] and 35-39 kHz [17] respectively. In this work, dosimetry measurements indicate that more active cavitation occurred in the dyeing vessel at a frequency of 400 kHz when compared to other frequencies.…”

The design of a novel, environmentally improved, industrial cotton pre-treatment process

“…Therefore ultrasound can be seen as a source of mechanical energy to accelerate the mass transfer processes in the pores of fabrics. It has been found that ultrasound also accelerates the performance of enzymes in enzymatic textile treatment processes [Agrawal et al & 2010. Figure 5.24 shows the results of some of these experiments.…”

“…The difference in performance is expressed in Δ % pectin removal. Enzyme concentration without refreshment of the capillary Figure 5.24: Experimentally determined effect of ultrasound on the performance of enzymes [Agrawal et al, 2010] The case was to see the effect of ultrasound on the removal of pectin by the enzyme pectinase. Three experiments have been performed: ultrasound applied before, after and during the enzymatic treatment.…”

“…Sono-chemistry is the effect of ultrasound that is realized due to improved chemical reaction. Agrawal found in his work that the use of ultrasound has a positive effect when it is applied during incubation and rinsing [Agrawal et al 2010]. During incubation it is noticed that a substantial improvement of the enzymatic performance occurs.…”