Abstract: Methods for isolating EG III cellulase component and enriched EG III cellulase in polyethylene glycol are disclosed. The methods comprise adding an inorganic salt and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of from about 5,000 to 10,000 to an aqueous mixture of cellulase proteins under conditions to create a two-phase system. Next, the cellulase proteins other than EG III are separated in an EG III-poor aqueous phase while EG III cellulase component is retained in an EG III-rich polyethylene glycol phase. Lastly, the EG III component can be separated from the polyethylene glycol. The preferred method of separation is alcohol precipitation.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a cleaning effective amount of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants and from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of substantially pure EG III cellulase. Preferably, the detergent composition contains no more than about 5 weight percent of CBH I type components based on the total weight of cellulase proteins. When employed in aqueous wash media, the detergent compositions impart color retention/restoration properties as well as improved softening and feel properties to cotton-containing fabrics.