Characterization and Evaluation of Phenol Degrading Bacillus Spp. for Enhancing the Softness of Coir Fiber

Coir is a unique versatile and most resistant fiber among all commercially available natural fibers. The rigidity and toughness of the coir fiber due to its high phenylpropanoid content makes its usage limited for tough textured products. In this study, an eco-friendly microbial formulation was developed using phenol degrading strains to improve the quality of the coir fiber. The coir fiber treated with these bacterial strains showed enhanced brightness, reduced flexural rigidity, and increase in softness. Scanning electron micrograph analysis confirmed the improved surface texture of the treated fiber. The application of phenol degrading Bacillus spp. promises to be an effective eco-friendly strategy for the quality improvement of coir fiber.