Biotechnology for Surface Modification of Polyester Fibers

Summary

Researchers reviewed biotechnological approaches — including enzymatic surface treatments and microbial modification — for altering the surface properties of polyester fibers to improve wettability and reduce electrostatic charge as an alternative to harmful chemical finishing processes. Since polyester is the world's dominant textile fiber and a major source of microplastic fiber shedding during washing, surface modification strategies that reduce fragmentation could meaningfully decrease one of the largest pathways of microplastic release into wastewater.