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Enzymes in Detergents -
Detergents represent the largest industrial application of enzymes amounting to 25-30% of the total sales of enzymes. The enzymes used in detergents must be cost effective, safe to use and be able to perform the task in the presence of anionic and non ionic detergents, soaps, oxidants, etc. at pH between 8 and 10.5. Enzymes constitute only 0.4-0.8% crude enzyme by weight (about I % by cost) of detergents.

The chief enzymes used are proteases, a amylase and, sometimes, cellulase.

1. Proteases are used to digest away proteins present in blood stains, milk, grass, etc. and also in association with dirt; therefore, they help in removal of dirt as well. Only serine proteases are suitable for use in detergents.

These enzymes are produced by B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens. Proteases are packed inside dust free granules coated with wax materials made from Paraffin oil or PEG plus hydrophilic binders; the granules disperse in wash releasing the enzyme. This strategy protects users from hypersensitivity to the enzymes.

2. α-Amylase is used to digest away starch present in association with dirt and stains; they are produced by B. licheniformis.

3. Cellulases, produced by fungi, are used for washing cotton fabrics. The enzyme digests away the small fibers raised from the fabric without damaging the major fibers of the fabric. This restores the fabric to 'as new' condition, and also removes soil particles by digesting the associated cellulose.

4. Lipases suitable for detergent use have been identified, and are used for digestion of lipids present in stains and/or dirt.

 

 
   
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