Combination of acid-demineralization and enzymatic desizing of cotton fabrics by using industrial acid stable glucoamylases and α-amylases

In this study, the possibility of simultaneous acid-demineralization and enzymatic desizing of cotton fabric in acidic conditions (pH 2) by using industrial acid stable enzymes has been investigated. Acid-demineralization is necessary to remove undesired cationic metals and earth alkalis. Our experiments showed that by use of a mixture of two appropriate enzymes, a glucoamylase (Multifect GA 10L) and an a-amylase (Optisize Next) in a solution of citric acid and presence of a chelating agent, enzymatic desizing, and acid-demineralization can be successfully carried out at the same time. Therefore, two processes of pretreatment were integrated into a single process, which can effectively reduce time and costs for textile industry.