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: There is provided an enzymatic oxidation process wherein a substance which is to be oxidised is reacted with (a) an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity and a source of hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme exhibiting oxidase activity on phenolic compounds and (b) a compound which enhances the oxidation activity of the enzyme, characterized in that the compound specifically binds the substance which is to be oxidized. Furthermore, there is provided an enzymatic stain bleaching or anti dye-transfer composition comprising: (a) an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity and a source of hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme exhibiting oxidase activity on phenolic compounds and (b) a compound which enhances the oxidation activity of the enzyme and which is capable of binding selectively to a stain chromophore or textile dye in solution.

Abstract: Pretreater stain remover composition and method of using it is described. The composition comprises a siloxane based surfactant combined with a cosurfactant. Optionally, an antiredeposition polymer, enzymes and enzyme stabilizing system are added to effectively remove both oil and water based stains from a variety of fabrics.

Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived from the archael bacterium AEPII1A. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 60.9 kilodaltons and has cellulase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of cellulose where desired.

Abstract: Textile fibers are treated with enzymes in the absence of surfactants, with the effect of increasing the wettability and absorbency of the fibers. The enzymes are pectinases, cellulases, proteases, lipases or combinations thereof. The wetting properties of cotton fibers are found to be most substantially improved by treatment with a mixture of cellulase and pectinase. The effects of five hydrolyzing enzymes on improving the hydrophilicity of several polyester fabrics have been studied. Four out of the five lipases studied improve the water wetting and absorbent properties of the regular polyester fabrics more than alkaline hydrolysis under optimal conditions (3N NaOH at 55.degree. C. for 2 hours). Compared to aqueous hydrolysis, the enzyme reactions have shown to be effective under more moderate conditions, including a relatively low concentration (0.01 g/L), a shorter reaction time (10 minutes), at an ambient temperature (25.degree. C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellulase composition obtainable from Bacillus sp. CBS 669.93. A preferred cellulase has a calculated molecular weight of approximately 63 kD, a calculated isoelectric point of about 5 and a pH optimum on CMC of about 6 at 40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Novel mannanases may be derived from eg Bacillus subtilis strain 168 or may be encoded by polynucleotide molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. The mannanases are alkaline and are useful e.g. in cleaning compositions, for modifying plant material, and for treatment of cellulosic fibres.

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: This invention is in the field of Bio-Polishing. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for achieving Bio-Polishing effects during the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics.

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: Cellulose-containing fabric is desized by treating with an enzyme hybrid having a catalytically active amino acid sequence of an enzyme such as a lipase or an amylase linked to an amino acid sequence containing a cellulose-binding domain. The enzyme amino acid sequence may be of an .alpha.-amylase obtainable from a species of Bacillus such as Bacillus licheniformis, or of a lipase obtainable from a species of Humicola, Candida, Pseudomonas or Bacillus. The cellulose-binding domain may be from a cellulase, a xylanase, a mannanase, an arabinofuranosidase, an acetylesterase or a chitinase. The enzyme hybrid is obtained from a transformed host cell containing an expression cassette having a DNA sequence encoding the enzyme hybrid. A desizing composition is formed containing the enzyme hybrid and a wetting agent.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to novel compositions of neutral and/or alkaline cellulase and methods for obtaining neutral and/or alkaline cellulase compositions from Chrysosporium cultures, in particular Chrysosporium lucknowense. This invention also provides mutants and methods of generating mutants of Chrysosporium capable of producing neutral and/or alkaline cellulase. This invention also relates to the genes encoding the enzymes comprising the neutral and/or alkaline cellulase composition. In addition, this invention provides methods of culturing Chrysosporium to produce neutral and/or alkaline cellulases. The neutral and/or alkaline cellulase compositions of the subject invention can be used in a variety of processes including stone washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper & pulp and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme preparations consisting essentially of an enzyme which has cellulytic activity and comprises a first amino acid sequence consisting of 14 amino acid residues having the following sequenceThr Arg Xaa Xaa Asp Cys Cys Xaa Xaa (SEQ ID NO:79) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 - Xaa Cys Xaa Trp Xaa 10 11 12 13 14and a second amino acid sequence consisting of 5 amino acid residues having the following sequenceTrp Cys Cys Xaa Cys (SEQ ID NO:80) 1 2 3 4 5wherein, in position 3 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Trp, Tyr or Phe; in position 4 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Trp, Tyr or Phe; in position 8 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Arg, Lys or His; in position 9, 10, 12 and 14, respectively, of the first sequence, and in position 4 of the second sequence, the amino acid is any of the 20 naturally occurring amino acid residues with the provisos that, in the first amino acid sequence, (i) when the amino residue in position 12 is Ser, then the amino acid residue in posit

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing the pilling propensity or colour clarity of polyester fabrics and/or garments, which method comprises treating the fabric with a polyester hydrolytic enzyme and a detergent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified cellulase protein which is advantageously used in the treatment of textiles. Particularly, a method for treating a cellulose containing fabric is provided comprising the steps of forming an aqueous solution comprising a cellulase composition which differs from a precursor cellulase in that it has been enlarged and contacting the aqueous solution with a cellulose containing fabric for a time and under conditions appropriate to treat the fabric. The enlarged cellulase may comprise a multimeric composition of two or more distinct cellulase units or a single cellulase which has had adhered thereto polymeric or fibrous constituents.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the shrinkage of wool comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous solution comprising an oxidase or a peroxidase; and (b) contacting a wool containing article with said aqueous solution under conditions suitable for reacting said oxidase or peroxidase with said wool.

Abstract: The invention deals with a process for providing a cellulosic material, such as a fabric or a paper and pulp product, with improved strength and/or shape-retention and/or anti-wrinkling properties, the process comprising contacting, in an aqueous medium, the cellulosic material with a xyloglucan endotransglycosylase (XET).

Abstract: An enhanced strain of Pseudomonas celllulosa was obtained by introducing a recombinant genetic construct comprising a heterologous cellulase gene operably connected to a promoter into ATCC 55702, mutagenizing the transformants by treatment with MNNG, and selecting a high cellulase producing transformant. The transformant, designated Pseudomonas cellulosa ATCC XXXX, exhibits enhanced levels of cellulase production relative to the untransformed Pseudomonas cellulosa strain #142 ATCC 55702.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of forming localized variation of color density in the surface of a dyed cellulosic fabric, and to a composition for use in the method.

Abstract: Garment, e.g. a new pair of jeans, made from dyed twill fabric and having localised variations in the colour density of the fabric providing the jeans with a stone-washed or abraded look corresponding to a delta remission value (.DELTA.R) higher than 11, and a reflection of a first area of the jeans fabric of less than 12%, the reflection and .DELTA.R value being determined by a) measuring the reflection of the first and a second area of the fabric at a wavelength of 420 nm using a reflectometer having a measuring diaphragm with a diametrical dimension of 27 mm, the first area being located within the area of the upper half of the zipper cover visibly having the highest colour density (i.e. being relatively more coloured), and the second area being located at least about 5 cm from any stitching present on the jeans, b) expressing the reflection in % related to a white standard (100% reflection), and c) calculating the .DELTA.

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: A cellulase preparation consisting essentially of a homogeneous endoglucanase component which is immunoreactive with an antibody raised against a highly purified .about.43 kD endoglucanase derived from Humicola insolens, DSM 1800, or which is homogeneous to said .about.43 kD endoglucanase, may be employed in the treatment cellulose-containing fabrics for harshness reduction or color clarification or to provide a localized variation in the color of such fabrics, or it may be employed in the treatment of paper pulp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permanent dyeing composition comprising a) above 0 to 1 mg enzyme protein per ml dyeing composition of microbial laccase, b) one or more dye precursor, and c) optionally one or more dye modifiers, the use of the dyeing composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, such as hair, fur, hide, and wool, and a method for permanent dyeing of keratinous fibers.

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: A method of treating fabrics, garments, or yarns comprising treating undyed fabric, garment, or yarn in an aqueous medium with an effective amount of a haloperoxidase, a halide source, and a hydrogen peroxide source. The treated fabric, garment, or yarn exhibits improved characteristics relative to untreated fabric, garment, or yarn, such as improved shrink-resistance.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously desizing and bleaching of a sized fabric containing starch or starch derivatives, which process comprises treating the fabric with a bleaching composition and an oxidation stable .alpha.-amylase.

Abstract: A process for providing improved localised variation in the color density of the surface of dyed fabrics by reducing backstaining, the process including treating a dyed fabric with a cellulytic enzyme in an aqueous liquor and adding a sufficient amount of chelating agent to the liquor to reduce the concentration of di- or trivalent cation to less than 20 mg/l.

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: A method for obtaining a cellulosic textile fabric having a strongly reduced tendency to pilling formation, preferably corresponding to a pilling note of at least 4, more preferably of at least 4.5, which method comprises treating the fabric with a cellulase capable of performing a partial hydrolysis of the fibre surface corresponding to a <2% weight loss based on the untreated cellulosic textile fabric. The cellulase is preferably a 43 kD endoglucanase derived from or producible by Humicola insolens, DSM 1800, SEQ ID NO:1, or a functional analogue of said cellulase such as a variant which is modified by substitution of one or more amino acid residues in one or more of the positions 8, 55, 58, 62, 67, 132, 147, 162, 221, 222, 223, 280; or modified by truncation, preferably genetically truncation, at any position from position 213.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enzyme which exhibits cellulase activity and is producible by a strain of Bacillus sp., NCIMB 40250, or a related Bacillus sp. strain, or a derivative of said cellulase. This invention also relates to an enzyme which comprises a core region derived from an endoglucanase combined with a cellulose-binding domain derived from another cellulase, or which comprises a core region derived from another cellulase combined with a cellulose-binding domain derived from an endoglucanase.

Abstract: During the enzymatic "stone washing" of a denim fabric and/or garments, an undesirable redeposition of blue dye often occurs on the surfaces of the denim. The invention relates to a means of overcoming this problem using an enzyme composition comprised of Trichoderma endoglucanases and Trichoderma cellobiohydrolases that has been partially digested by a protease enzyme to separate its core and binding domains. The use of this composition reduces the redeposition of the blue dye and hence improves the stone washing process relative to using a redepositing or backstaining cellulase.

Abstract: A new method of manufacturing a fabric or a garment with a stone-washed or worn look, the method comprising coating the yarn or fabric or garment with a polymer, e.g. a xyloglucan, prior to dyeing and afterwards creating the abraded or worn look by enzymatic degradation of said polymer, e.g. by using a xyloglucanase.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method. In accordance with the invention, textile printing is carried out by coating a solution or paste (which may contain a dye) containing a bacterial strain Bacillus OY1-2 of genus Bacillus (Deposit Number: FERM 13118), in a desirable pattern on the cloth dyed with an azo dye (which may include a non-azo dye), subsequently proliferating or acting the bacterial strain while keeping the strain in a wet state, and to entirely or partially metabolize the azo dye to eliminate or decrease the coloring of the azo dye for textile printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing an abraded look with a reduced strength loss in dyed fabric comprising (a) contacting, in an aqueous medium, a dyed fabric with a cellulase in a concentration corresponding to 0.01-250 .mu.g of enzyme protein per g of fabric; and (b) simultaneously or subsequently treating the fabric with a phenol oxidizing enzyme and an enhancing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new cellulase composition for treating and finishing cellulose-containing textiles. The improved properties of the cellulase composition are based on an elevated content of EGII endoglucanase type component in an otherwise complete cellulase composition. When the composition with elevated EGII contents is used improved color properties, increased lightness, improved visual appearance and reduced pilling tendencies are achieved. The strength properties of the textile materials are essentially unchanged as compared to previously used cellulase compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes, with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method.

Abstract: A method, and a specific enzyme mixture, for depilling cotton-containing goods, either as unfinished fabric or as finished garments, to create a smooth surface while minimizing the loss of fabric strength. The method consists essentially of removing less than approximately 3.0% of the initial fabric weight with a Trichoderma cellulase enzyme mixture comprising less than naturally-occuring amounts of CBHI, CBHII, EGI and EGIII protein components, and further consisting essentially of at least 80% endoglucanase II (EGII) as the protein component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new cellulase composition for finishing of cellulose-containing textiles, especially cotton. The improved properties of the cellulase composition are based on an elevated content of CBHII cellobiohydrolase type component in an otherwise normal background cellulase composition. When the composition with elevated CBHII contents is used improved color properties, increased lightness, improved visual appearance and reduced pilling tendencies are achieved. The strength properties of the textile materials are essentially unchanged as compared to previously used cellulase compositions.

Abstract: The transfer of a textile dye from a dyed fabric to another fabric during washing or rinsing is inhibited by adding an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or an enzyme exhibiting a suitable oxidase activity to the wash liquor in which said fabrics are washed and/or rinsed. Peroxidase is produced extracellularly by some strains of Bacillus pumilus. The novel peroxidase preparation from B. pumilus is a microperoxidase, i.e. it contains hemopeptide as an active component. The preparation has improved stability at high temperature, at high pH and at high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It can be produced without undesired catalase activity.

Abstract: Chelants represented by Formula 1b: ##STR1## are determined to be biodegradable when Distance A is from about 3.8.times.10.sup.-10 to about 4.6.times.10.sup.-10 m, Distance B is from about 5.1.times.10.sup.-10 to about 5.9.times.10.sup.-10 m, and Distance C is from about 4.3 to about 6.7.times.10.sup.-10 m). Compounds meeting these criteria are referred to as compounds of Formula 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for providing a bleached look in the color density of the surface of dyed fabric, especialy cellulosic fabric such as denim, comprising use of a phenol oxidizing enzyme such as a peroxidase or a laccase, a hydrogen peroxide source and a phenothiazine or phenoxazine enhancing agent represented by formula (I).

Abstract: The invention concerns detergent compositions comprising lipase variant D96L of the native lipase derived from Humicola lanuginosa present at a level of from 50 LU to 8500 LU per liter wash solution.Using these levels of lipase delivers an improved whiteness maintenance on fabrics.

Abstract: A process for the continuous pretreatment of cellulosic textile material comprisesa) a precleaning step wherein the treatment bath used comprises customary surfactants and other customary auxiliaries with or without customary enzymes as desizing agents and has a pH of from 5 to 11, and, after washoff and rinse,b) a bleaching step with hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline-aqueous liquor which comprises customary surfactants and other customary auxiliaries,wherefor the treatment bath of (a) additionally comprises from 1 to 10% by weight, based on the weight of the textile material,(i) either of an aminopolycarboxylic acid, of a hydroxyalkyl- or amino-phosphonic acid, of a polycarboxylic acid, of a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid or of an inorganic polymetaphosphate, or a mixture thereof, as complexing agent for polyvalent metal ions, or(ii) of a water-soluble polymer derived from 40 to 100% by weight of monoethylenically unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides, or a mixture thereof, and has a K value of fr

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a cleaning solution for the contact lens comprising an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, 15-60 w/v % (percent by weight/volume) of propylene glycol, 10-60 w/v % of glycerine, and water, a total content of the propylene glycol and glycerine being in a range of 30-80 w/v %; (b) diluting the cleaning solution with a disinfecting or storing liquid for the contact lens which contains an ionic antimicrobial agent, so as to provide a dilution; and (c) immersing the contact lens in the dilution.

Abstract: Bacteria which produce large amounts of a cellulase-containing cell-free fermentate have been identified. The original bacterium (ATCC 55703) was genetically altered using nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) treatment to produce the enhanced cellulase producing bacterium (ATCC 55702), which was identified through replicate plating. ATCC 55702 has improved characteristics and qualities for the degradation of cellulosic waste materials for fuel production, food processing, textile processing, and other industrial applications. ATCC 55702 is an improved bacterial host for genetic manipulations using recombinant DNA techniques, and is less likely to destroy genetic manipulations using standard mutagenesis techniques.

Abstract: Mixtures of various starch-degrading enzymes (amylases) which comprise at least one high temperature amylase (HTA) and at least one low temperature amylase (LTA) in an activity ratio of HTA to LTA of 10%:90% to 90%:10% develop at least 60% of their maximum activity in the temperature range from 30.degree. to 90.degree. C. Such mixtures can be diluted with water and treated with customary additives. These mixtures are suitable for desizing textiles sized with starch by treatment of the textiles with the mixtures mentioned and subsequent rinsing.