Enzymes
Enzymes play a crucial role in modern textile processing, providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical methods.
Enzymes are indispensable in numerous industrial processes due to their ability to catalyze reactions efficiently and selectively under mild conditions. Here, we explore the major types of enzymes used across various industries and their specific applications.
Enzymes are indispensable in numerous industrial processes due to their ability to catalyze reactions efficiently and selectively under mild conditions. Here, we explore the major types of enzymes used across various industries and their specific applications.
Textile Industry
Enzymes play a crucial role in modern textile processing, providing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical methods. Key enzymes used include amylases, cellulases, and laccases.
Amylases:
- Function: Degrade starch-based sizing agents applied to fabrics.
- Application: Desizing process to remove starch from cotton and other fabrics.
Reaction: strach ( amylase⟶ ) Dextrins (futher hydrolysis⟶) Glusose
Cellulases:
- Function: Break down cellulose fibers.
- Application: Bio-polishing to remove microfibrils from cotton, improving fabric smoothness and softness.
Reaction: strach ( Cellulases⟶ ) Cellobiose ( futher hydrolysis⟶ ) Glusose
Laccases:
- Function: Oxidize phenolic compounds
- Application: Textile bleaching and dyeing, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
- Reaction: Phenolic ( Laccases⟶ ) Oxidized Product
Pulp and Paper Industry:
Enzymes enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of paper production processes. Key enzymes used include xylanases, cellulases, and ligninases.
Xylanases:
- Function: Degrade hemicellulose (xylan).
- Application: Pulp bleaching to reduce chlorine usage and improve fiber quality.
- Reaction: Xylan ( Xylanases⟶ ) Xylo – Olidosaccharides
Cellulases:
- Function: Hydrolyze cellulose fibers.
- Application: Deinking recycled paper and improving pulp drainage.
- Reaction: Cellulose ( Cellulose⟶ ) Glucose
Ligninases (Laccases, Peroxidases):
- Function: Degrade lignin.
- Application: Pulp bleaching and delignification processes.
- Reaction: Lignin ( Ligninase⟶ ) Phenolic Compound
Fine Chemicals Industry:
Enzymes facilitate the synthesis of complex molecules with high specificity and under mild conditions. Key enzymes used include lipases, proteases, and transaminases.
- Function: Catalyze the hydrolysis and synthesis of esters.
- Application: Production of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals, biodiesel synthesis.
Reaction: Ester + Water ( lipase⟶ ) Acid + Alcohol
Proteases:
- Function: Hydrolyze peptide bonds in proteins.
- Application: Peptide synthesis, protein hydrolysis for amino acid production.
Reaction: Protin ( Protease⟶ ) Peptides ( futher hydrolysis⟶ ) Amino Acids
Transaminases:
- Function: Transfer amino groups between substrates.
- Application: Synthesis of chiral amines and amino acids for pharmaceuticals.
Reaction: Amino Acid + α – Keto Acid ( Transaminase⟶ ) Modified (Amino Acid + α – Keto Acid)
