Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for deinking and decolorizing a printed paper, comprising: (a) pulping the printed paper to obtain a pulp slurry; (b) dislodging an ink from the pulp slurry with one or more enzymes; (c) decolorizing the dye contained in the pulp slurry with one or more laccases in the presence of oxygen and optionally one or more chemical mediators; (d) separating the released ink from the pulp slurry; and (e) recovering the decolorized pulp. The present invention also relates to decolorized pulps prepared by such methods and to methods for producing recycled paper.

Abstract: A process for producing paper or paperboard from mechanical pulp, in which the pulp is treated with a phenol-oxidizing enzyme after mechanical refining of the pulp has been completed. The resulting paper exhibits an increased strength relative to paper produced from untreated pulp.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for single-bath biopreparation and dyeing of cellulosic fibers, which are carreid out by contacting the fibers simultaneously or sequentially with a pectin-degrading enzyme, preferably pectate lyase, and a dyeing system, under conditions that do not require emptying the bath or rinsing the fabric between biopreparation and dyeing steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for meat tenderization that comprise a thermolabile protease derived from a Rhizomucor species. Preferably, the protease has limited substrate specificity and may be treated with peroxy acids. The invention also provides meat-tenderizing compositions, which comprise the protease in combination with nitrite and/or flavoring agents.

Abstract: A method of treating wool, wool fibers or animal hair with a haloperoxidase (together with a hydrogen peroxide source and a halide source), and a proteolytic enzyme. 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 haloperoxidase), the described method results in reduced weight loss, reduced fiber damage, and improved burst strength.

Abstract: A method for continuously biopolishing cellulose-containing fabrics is disclosed. This method involves (a) contacting the fabric with a cellulase having low affinity for cellulose and (b) subjecting the contacted fabric to high temperature. Treatment of the cellulose-containing material may be carried out as an additional step or a combined step with chemical preparation, dyeing, printing and finishing. This treatment results in excellent pilling performance, minimal loss in fabric strength and weight, and better wettability.

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: This invention relates to a cellulase treatment of cellulosic fabric to achieve biopolishing effects, reducing dust or lint and reducing pilling during at least one laundry cycle in said fabric comprising treating said fabric with cellulase after the scouring step and before the bleaching step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of dyeing a material, comprising (a) soaking the material in an aqueous solution which comprises one or more mono-, di- or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds; and (b) treating the soaked material in an aqueous solution with (i) a hydrogen peroxide source and an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or (ii) an enzyme exibiting oxidase activity on the one or more aromatic or heteroaromatic compounds; wherein the material is a fabric, yarn, fiber, garment or film made of fur, hide, leather, silk or wool.

Abstract: A process for enzymatic discharge printing of the surface of dyed fabric, especially cellulosic fabric such as denim, including an oxidoreductase and enhancing agent system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for dyeing a material, comprising (a) treating the material with a dyeing system which comprises one or more reduced vat dyes and/or one or more reduced sulfur dyes; and (b) oxidizing the one or more reduced vat dyes or one or more reduced sulfur dyes adsorbed onto the treated material with an oxidation system comprising (i) an oxygen source and one or more enzymes exhibiting oxidase activity or (ii) a hydrogen peroxide source and one or more enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity, to convert the one or more reduced dyes to their original oxidized insoluble colored forms; wherein the material is a fabric, yarn, fiber, garment or film made of cotton, diacetate, flax, fur, hide, leather, linen, lyocel, polyacrylic, polyamide, polyester, ramie, rayon, silk, tencel, triacetate, viscose or wool.

Abstract: The invention is directed to agents used in the retention of color values on fabrics formed from cellulose fibers (color clarification agents) and to a method for treatment of such fabrics. The method comprises treating a colored fabric with a cellulase and a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyalkylene oxide graft polymer, a polyamino acid polymer, and a carboxylated polysaccharide polymer in an amount effective to preserve the color of the fabric after at least one wash cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treatment of cellulosic material, as for example, knitted or woven cotton fabric, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous enzyme solution comprising pectinase, treating the cellulosic material with an effective amount of the aqueous enzyme solution under alkaline scouring conditions; e.g., pH of 9 or above and a temperature of 50.degree. C. or above, in a low calcium or calcium-free environment, yielding a modification of the cellulosic material such that exhibits an enhanced respond to a subsequent chemical treatment.