Microbial cellulases and their applications in textile processing

Basic and applied research on microbial cellulases has not only generated significant scientific knowledge but has also revealed their enormous potential in biotechnology.At present, cellulases and related enzymes are used in food, brewery and wine, animal feed, textile and laundry, pulp and paper industries, as well as in agriculture and for research purposes. 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 worldwide investigations are carried out to substitute conventional chemical textile processes by environment-friendly and economically attractive bioprocesses using enzymes. Enzymes are specific and fast in action and small amounts of enzyme often savelarge amounts of raw materials, chemicals, energy and water. Indeed, the demand for these enzymes is growing more rapidly than ever before, and this demand has become the driving force for research on cellulases and related enzymes. Conventional chemical processes are generally severe and fibre damage may occur. However, enzymes are characterized by their ability to operate under mild conditions. As a result processes may take place without additional harm to the fibre. 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 cellulases in textile processing.