Bio-Softening of Jute Fibers using Aspergillus nidulans SU04 Cellulase
Anuradha, Jabasingh, S. and Valli Nachiyar, C.
Adv Bio Tech, vol.11, no.7, 38-42, January 2012
ABSTRACT
The enzyme cellulase from Aspergillus nidulans SU04 was applied for the bio-finishing of jute fibers in this study. This cellulase of higher activity (49.82 U/mL) was employed to improve the smoothness, brightness and whiteness of the jute fibers. Application of cellulase in fabric bio-finishing is investigated by treating the jute fibers with partially purified cellulase and studying the enhancement of fiber brightness, smoothness and weight loss. The bio-finishing conditions including treatment time, fiber to enzyme ratio (concentration), agitation rate and temperature are optimized for a smooth fiber surface. Further, the results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) favored maximum surface finishing at a jute fiber concentration of 16% (w/v) at 450C and pH 5.0 using cellulase (49.82 U/mL) at 17th hr of the treatment.
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama University, Sholinganallur, Chennai-600119, Tamilnadu, India 2 Department of Bio technology, Sathyabama University, Sholinganallur, Chennai-600119, Tamilnadu, India
