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Eco-friendly textile desizing with indigenously produced amylase from Bacillus cereus AS2
Aneela Rehman1, Asma Saeed2, Wajeeha Asad3
1Department of Microbiology, Abbottabad University of Science & Technology, Havelian, 22010, Pakistan.
Scientific Reports
|July 26, 2023
Summary
Enzyme-based desizing offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical methods, preserving fabric quality. This study optimizes enzyme settings for effective starch removal without damaging textiles.
Area of Science:
- Textile Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Microbiology
Background:
- Starch-based sizing is crucial for weaving but requires removal before dyeing and printing.
- Conventional chemical desizing agents can damage fabric surfaces, reducing product quality.
- Enzymes offer a promising, eco-friendly alternative for fabric desizing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare traditional chemical desizing with bio-based enzymatic desizing.
- To optimize desizing conditions using crude amylase from Bacillus cereus AS2.
- To evaluate the efficacy and fabric compatibility of enzymatic desizing.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of amylase-producing Bacillus cereus AS2 from soil samples.
- Fermentation optimization for maximal desizing capability.
- Comparative analysis of chemical desizing (5N HCl) versus enzymatic desizing.
- Optimization of enzymatic desizing parameters (amylase concentration, temperature, time, detergent).
- Assessment of desizing efficacy using TEGEWA scale, water absorbance, and weight loss.
- Microscopic analysis (SEM) to confirm starch removal.
Main Results:
- Bacillus cereus AS2 demonstrated maximal fermentative desizing capability at 72 hours without fabric degradation.
- Chemical desizing with 5N HCl achieved TEGEWA scale 9 within 1 hour but caused significant degradation.
- Optimal enzymatic desizing achieved maximum results within 15 hours at 60°C using 1000 IU/ml amylase and 0.5% Triton-X.
- Enzymatic desizing efficacy, measured by water absorbance and weight loss, was comparable to commercial desizing.
- SEM micrographs confirmed complete starch particle removal in enzyme-treated fabric, similar to industrially desized fabric.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic desizing using Bacillus cereus AS2 provides an effective and fabric-safe alternative to chemical methods.
- Optimized enzymatic desizing parameters ensure efficient starch removal and maintain fabric integrity.
- This bioprocess is a viable and eco-friendly approach for textile finishing.

