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Electrostatically-Boosted microbial surface Sculpting: Room-Temperature, Low-Energy Paradigm for functionalization of
Haodong Wu1, Xin Zhao1, Huiqin Li2
1School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China; Key Laboratory for Advanced Textile Composites of the Education Ministry, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China.
Bioresource Technology
|December 23, 2025
Summary
A novel method uses a cationic surfactant, polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7), to activate PET-degrading bacteria at room temperature. This green biotechnology enhances polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric properties sustainably, reducing chemical and energy use.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics are hydrophobic, limiting their use in high-value applications.
- Conventional PET modification methods like alkali treatment and plasma are costly, damaging, or environmentally toxic.
- Developing sustainable and green biotechnologies for PET modification is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel, room-temperature method for modifying PET fabrics using a cationic surfactant and a PET-degrading bacterium.
- To investigate the electrostatic mechanism by which the surfactant enhances enzymatic hydrolysis.
- To evaluate the performance improvements and sustainability benefits compared to conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a cationic surfactant, polyquaternium-7 (PQ-7), to adsorb onto the negatively charged PET surface.
- Employed an alkali-tolerant, PET-degrading bacterium (strain F6) for whole-cell biological treatment at room temperature.
- Analyzed changes in surface properties, moisture transmission, friction charge density, and tensile strength.
Main Results:
- PQ-7 adsorption created a micro-environment that facilitated enzymatic hydrolysis of PET without heating.
- Bioprocessed fabrics showed superior moisture transmission (180.6 g/(m²·h)) and friction surface charge density (4.5 μC/m²) compared to alkali treatment.
- Whole-cell biological treatment maintained high tensile strength (187 N) while alkali treatment reduced it significantly (122 N).
- The process generated hydrophilic groups on the fiber surface without internal penetration, preserving structural integrity.
- Reduced NaOH usage by 77% and eliminated thermal energy input.
Conclusions:
- Electrostatically-boosted, room-temperature biocatalysis using PQ-7 and PET-degrading bacteria is a scalable and green route for upgrading PET textiles.
- This method enhances PET fabric performance (hydrophilicity, moisture management) while maintaining structural integrity.
- The approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods, contributing to a circular economy for textiles.
