Screening of tropical fungi producing polyethylene terephthalate-hydrolyzing enzyme for fabric modification

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics are widely used but have limitations in properties like hydrophilicity and dyeability.
• Enzymatic modification offers a sustainable approach to alter fabric characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify microfungi capable of producing enzymes that degrade PET fibers.
• To evaluate the potential of these enzymes for modifying PET fabric properties.

Main Methods:

• Fungi were isolated from soil and plant surfaces using a polycaprolactone (PCL) plate-clearing assay.
• Cutinase activity was screened, and enzyme production was assessed using potato suberin and PET fibers as substrates.
• The most active isolate, PBURU-B5, was identified as Fusarium solani using morphological and molecular techniques (rDNA-ITS sequencing).
• Enzymatic hydrolysis of PET fabric was analyzed, and changes in fabric properties were evaluated.

Main Results:

• 115 fungal isolates were screened, and 22 showed cutinase activity.
• Isolate PBURU-B5 exhibited the highest cutinase activity when induced with PET fiber.
• Fusarium solani PBURU-B5 successfully hydrolyzed ester bonds in PET fibers.
• Enzymatic treatment enhanced PET fabric's water and moisture absorption, increasing hydrophilicity and softness.

Conclusions:

• Microfungi, particularly Fusarium solani, can produce enzymes capable of degrading PET fibers.
• Enzymatic modification of PET fabrics leads to improved properties, including enhanced hydrophilicity and a softer feel.
• This approach holds potential for sustainable textile processing, facilitating dyeing and improving user comfort.