Bio-polishing of polyester and polyester/cotton fabric

Enzymatic bio-polishing offers a finish for pill prevention. The present study demonstrates that a cutinase can be used for bio-polishing of polyester fabrics and can be combined with a compatible cellulase to treat polyester and cotton blended fabrics. Two different cutinases were investigated with 100% polyester woven fabric. One cutinase and one cellulase were tested separately and in combination with 50%/50% polyester/cotton blend knit fabric. Following enzymatic treatment, weight loss, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the treatment liquor and pilling note were evaluated. An improvement in pilling note for both polyester and polyester blends was demonstrated. Additionally, HPLC analysis of the treatment liquors indicated polyester hydrolysis due to cutinase activity which correlated well with pilling note results