Co-immobilization of cellulase and laccase onto the reversibly soluble polymers for decolorization of denim fabrics

Abstract

Both cellulase and laccase can be used in the denim washing to produce the desired aged look in the indigo-dyed denim garments. In this study, cellulase and laccase were co-immobilized onto the reversibly soluble polymers (Eudragit S-100 or Eudragit L-100). Futher, the molecular weight distribution and the enzymatic properties of Eudragit-cellulase-laccase were investigated. The results showed that Eudragit-cellulase-laccase exhibited higher molecular weights than the native cellulase or laccase, and showed greater stability than the native enzymes at higher pH and temperature. Eudragit-cellulaselaccase could retain more than 35 % of the original enzyme activities after five cycles of repeated uses, showing certain reusability. Moreover, the effects of Eudragit-cellulase-laccase treatments on denim washing were also investigated. The decoloration effects of the denim fabrics treated with Eudragit-cellulase-laccase were found to be almost similar to those of the denim fabrics treated with the native cellulase and laccase together. However, the denim fabrics treated with Eudragit-cellulase-laccase showed higher tensile strength than those treated with the native cellulase used alone or the native cellulase and laccase used together.