Flax-retting by polygalacturonase-containing enzyme mixtures and effects on fiber properties

Enzyme-retting of flax was accomplished via individual treatment with four polygalacturonase (PGase) containing solutions of various fungal sources and the resulting fibers were characterized. The retting solutions were equilibrated to contain 2.19 U of PGase activity as determined via a dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) reducing sugar assay. As compared with the buffer control, treatment with the various enzyme solutions increased the yield of fine fibers. Treatment with Aspergillus niger PGase resulted in a 62% increase in fine fiber yield as compared with the buffer control and fiber strength did not statistically differ (P