Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair an alkali-containing alcohol solution, followed by a proteolytic enzyme in aqueous solution. The described method results in improved shrink-resistance, and may result in improvements in handle, appearance, wettability, reduction of felting tendency, increased whiteness, reduction of pilling, improved softness, improved tensile strength, and improved dyeing characteristics such as dye uptake and dye washfastness.

Abstract: Homopolymers of olefin monomers having polar functional groups, and copolymers of these monomers with each other and with non-polar olefins and optionally carbon monoxide are disclosed. The polymers can be prepared by contacting the corresponding monomers with a transition metal catalyst under comparatively mild conditions; this preserves at least some of the polar functional groups in the resulting polymer. The polymers are suitable for processing in conventional extrusion processes, and can be formed into high barrier sheets or films, or low molecular weight resins for use in synthetic waxes in wax coatings or as emulsions.

Abstract: A method of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair with a proteolytic enzyme and a transglutaminase. The described method results in improved shrink-resistance, handle, appearance, wettability, reduction of felting tendency, increased whiteness, reduction of pilling, improved softness, tensile strength retention, improved stretch, improved burst strength, and improved dyeing characteristics such as dye uptake and dye washfastness. Furthermore, relative to treatments with proteolytic enzymes alone (no transglutaminase), the described method results in reduced weight loss, reduced fiber damage, and improved strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for re-forming keratinous fibre cross links comprising contacting at least one oxidoreductase with the keratinous fibres for a sufficient period of time and under conditions sufficient to permit re-formation of keratinous fibre cross links. The method may be performed simultaneously with dyeing of said keratinous fibres. The invention also relates to the use at least one oxidoreductase for re-formation of keratinous fibre cross links.