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The development and research of a novel biodegradable technology for the regeneration of microdamages and regulation of the elasticity of delicate fabrics during laundry washing cycles
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Researchers investigated the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase) as an additive in laundry washing gel to repair microdamage and improve the mechanical properties of delicate silk and wool fabrics, which are promoted as plastic-free alternatives to synthetic textiles. SEM and deformation-strength analysis showed that TGase restored fiber integrity by up to 85% over 10 wash cycles and increased fabric elasticity by 16%.
Abstract The synthetic textiles are most responsible for non-biodegradable microplastic release during laundry washing cycles. European directives try to promote and encourage the use of natural textiles, such as delicate fabrics, as a new ecological approach. Delicate fabrics aren’t resistant to multiple microdamages by commercial products with proteases, rapid wear, loss of elasticity and fabric strength, and colour fading due to protein structure of these fibers. The aim of this research was to evaluate the beneficial effects of transglutaminase (TGase) in household products for the regeneration of microdamages and regulation of the elasticity of delicate fabrics during laundry washing cycles. In the present study, the effects of TGase on silk and wool were investigated by modern methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and deformation-strength technique using Shimadzu AG 10kNX. SEM showed that the bonds formed by TGase exhibited high resistance of fibers before and after protease application. TGase in laundry washing gel provided the restoration of silk and wool fibers up to 85% after 10 washing cycles. The elasticity of delicate fibers was increased by 16% after 1 wash cycle. The strength of silk and wool was improved by 2 and 5 times, respectively, with decrease in fiber elongation. Thus, TGase can be promising compound to provide the deep regeneration of microdamages and increase longevity of delicate fabrics.
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