Biopolishing enzymes and their applications in textiles: A review

Textile processing is a growing industry that traditionally has used a lot of water, energy and harsh chemicals. Due to the ever-growing costs for water and energy world wide investigations are carried out to substitute conventional chemical textile processes by environmentfriendly and economically attractive bioprocesses using enzymes. Conventional chemical processes are generally severe and fibre damage may occur. However, enzymes are characterized by their ability to operate under mild conditions and as a result processes can be carried out without further damaging the fibers. Enzymes are also readily biodegradable and therefore potentially harmless and environmentally friendly. This work represents a review of various properties of enzymes and applications of biopolishing enzymes in textiles. Biopolish treatment is imparted to any fiber or fabric to improve its smoothness and shine on the fabric’s surface by removing fiber-yarn ends projecting from it. Biopolishing enzymes used in biopolishing, offers a number of benefits such as improvement in pill resistance (a pill, colloquially known as a bobble, is a small ball of fibres that forms on a piece of cloth), superior colour brightness, softness and cooler feel