Multifunctional modification of wool using an enzymatic process in aqueous-organic media

An enzymatic method using laccases for grafting the water insoluble phenolic compound lauryl gallate on wool fabric was developed. To find the compromise conditions at which the substrate is soluble while the enzyme remains active, the reaction was carried out in an 80/20 (v/v,%) aqueous-ethanol mixture, where the enzyme retains 75-80% of its activity. The enzymatic coating of wool with lauryl gallate provided in a one-step process a multifunctional textile material with antioxidant, antibacterial and water repellent properties. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.