Abstract: An enzyme composition and a means of reducing the stickiness of honeydew contaminated cotton is disclosed. The composition includes, and the method uses, enzymes such as transglucosidases and pectinases which are capable of hydrolyzing sugars that make-up honeydew.

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

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions comprising fabric softening active(s), cellulase and an antioxidant effective amount of free radical scavenging antioxidant material and/or chelant.

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: This invention relates to an improved cellulase treatment of cellulosic fabrics to improve fabric quality with respect to handle and appearance without loss of fabric wettability. Cellulosic fabrics are subjected to two treatments with cellulase. The resulting fabric has a soft and smooth feel and reduced pilling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific ternary enzyme stabilization system which unexpectedly enhances stability of a specific cellulase enzyme in isotropic liquid detergent 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: 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 endoglucanase and Trichoderma cellobiohydrolase 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: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a combination of exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components and endoglucanase type components wherein the exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components are enriched relative to the endoglucanase type components. The detergent compositions of this invention provide cleaning and softening of cotton garments while also providing substantially reduced degradation of the cotton fabric in the garment.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with an aqueous solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which comprises CBH I type components and one or more EG type components wherein said cellulase composition has a protein weight ratio of CBH I type components to all EG type components of greater than 10:1. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid constructs containing a sequence encoding a polyporus laccase, and the laccase proteins encoded thereby.

Abstract: A method is presented for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed onto or entrained by organic natural fibers in an aqueous medium through the use of enzymes to degrade the organic natural fiber sorbents utilized for oil spill cleanup, the method provides an opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill sorbent materials. Natural organic fibers which have been utilized to adsorb petroleum and hydrocarbon products are separated from these petroleum and hydrocarbon products by reducing the natural organic fiber links to the point that the adsorbed or entrained oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber link to remain held by the fibers, thus floats to the surface of the aqueous medium. Aqueous medium enzyme compositions are provided which are suitable for degrading organic natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers resulting in release of adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained petroleum products.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with an aqueous solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which comprises one or more EG type components and one or more CBH I type components wherein said cellulase composition has a protein weight ratio of all EG type components to all CBH I type components of greater than 5:1. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase composition containing greater amounts of CBH I type components.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved aqueous processes and compositions for obtaining a "stonewashed", look in colored fabric while reducing the amount of redeposition of colorant onto the fabric, as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods as directed to contacting fabrics with fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of CBH type components. Fabrics so treated show reduced redeposition of colorant.

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: The present invention relates to methods of reducing the rate at which a cotton-containing fabric becomes harsh or of reducing the harshness of a cotton-containing fabric, comprising treating the cotton-containing fabric with a cellulase preparation obtained from a fungus, wherein the cellulase preparation comprises a substantially homogeneous endoglucanase component which: (a) has a pH optimum of about 7.5-10.0; (b) exhibits a CMC endoase activity of at least about 10 CMC-endoase units per mg of total protein; (c) exhibits a CAVU activity of at least about 50% at a pH of 7.0-12.0; and (d) has essentially no cellobiohydrolase activity; wherein at least about 50% by weight of the total cellulase content of the cellulase preparation is the endoglucanase component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous fabric conditioning compositions containing a quaternary ammonium compound and/or amine precursor thereof of the formulae (I) or (II) herein, and a cellulase, said compositions having a neat pH at 20.degree. C., of from about 2.0 to about 4.5.

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: Fabric softening compositions comprising fabric softening active(s) and a cellulase formulated so as to provide limited lower levels of cellulase activity, below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution, during use conditions of addition to the rinse cycle of machine laundry washing processes. Also a process for machine treatment of fabric, especially cotton fabrics, said process comprising treating fabric during the rinse cycle of a machine washing process with one or more cationic and/or nonionic fabric softening agents and cellulase at a level below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution.

Abstract: Removal of hydrophobic esters from fabric comprises the sequential steps of: 1) impregnating the fabric with an aqueous solution of lipase to a liquor pick-up ratio of 50-200%; 2) incubating the impregnated fabric at 15.degree.-70.degree. C. for 1-24 hours; and 3) washing and rinsing to remove fatty acids.

Abstract: Liquid enzyme formulations which contain the enzyme in the form of aqueous enzyme particle suspension, colloidal fillers and a liquid alkylene oxide polymer based on ethylenediamine and having a molecular weight in the range from 500 to 8200. The liquid enzyme formulations of the invention may contain any enzyme customarily incorporated in detergents or used for cleaning purposes, especially alkaline proteases. Processes for preparing such liquid enzyme formulations and for using them in liquid detergents and/or cleaners are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dishwashing or rinsing composition comprising a surfactant and an enzyme, characterized in that the enzyme is a lipase selected from lipases produced by rDNA technique and derived ultimately from the lipase gene from Humicola lanuginosa (syn. Thermomyces lanuginosus), and incorporated in the composition in an amount in the range of about 0.005 to 100 LU/mg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of wool and animal hairs with a low-in felt or felt-free finish, with a soft woolly handle and special shrink-resistance and strength. In this process, the wool is treated with a protease and is then treated at a temperature of between room temperature and 140.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics with a cellulase solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of all CBH I type cellulase components. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: An enzyme composition and a means of reducing the stickiness of honeydew contaminated cotton is disclosed. The composition includes, and the method uses, enzymes such as transglucosidases and pectinases which are capable of hydrolyzing sugars that make-up honeydew. Suitable transglucosidases include those obtained from Aspergillus niger. Particularly preferred is a transglucosidase obtained from Aspergillus niger ATCC 14916.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a textile material comprisinga) applying evenly a liquor solution (hereinafter referred to as "the liquor") for performing the treatment to the material in such a manner that the dry weight uptake of the solution at the end of this step is no more than 200%;b) then passing the material into a high frequency field of 10-50 MHz for 1 to 120 seconds; andc) optionally maintaining the material at the temperature that the material reaches in the high frequency field for up to 15 minutes (preferably 1-5 minutes).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a three step process that selectively removes embedded cellulose lint precursors from a cotton fabric with a cellulase solution during a continuous fabric manufacturing process. The cellulase solution, applied continually, travels in a finite, limited path and digests fibrils, forming embedded lint precursors, from the fabric. Undigestable fibrils, located outside the path travelled by the cellulase, remain undamaged by the cellulase. After the fabric's first wash, no appreciable linting is observed on the surface thereof and the fabric retains at least about 90% of its strength. Further, the process produces fabrics which do not exhibit commercially unacceptable yellowing from the action of the cellulase upon the cellulose.

Abstract: A single bath process for imparting both a stonewashed and overdyed appearance to denim textiles and articles is disclosed. The single bath comprises a dye, a cellulase enzyme and optionally but preferably a salt.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of denim fabrics or garments to achieve a worn or distressed look wherein treatment comprises contacting a plurality of denim fabrics or garments with an effective amount of a foam composition which contains an effective amount of a cellulase enzyme. The enzyme is capable of altering the color depth of the dye in the fabric materials. The garments or fabrics are vigorously tumbled so that they repeatedly contact and rub against one another so that abrasive rubbing contact between the garments or fabrics is ensured, which imparts a worn or distressed look to the fabrics or garments.

Abstract: Biologically pure strains of microorganisms capable of degrading indigo and indigo carmine are disclosed. A preferred strain is bacteria strain ATCC 55396. The bacteria is used for treating water polluted with indigo or indigo carmine by bringing the water into contact with the microorganisms or with enzymes extracted from the bacteria.

Abstract: Thermostable and acid stable .alpha.-amylases are provided as expression products of genetically engineered .alpha.-amylase genes isolated from microorganisms, preferably belonging to the class of Bacilli. Both chemical and enzymatic mutagenesis methods are e.g. the bisulphite method and enzymatic misincorporation on gapped heteroduplex DNA. The mutant .alpha.-amylases have superior properties, e.g. improved thermostability over a broad pH range, for industrial application in starch processing and textile desizing.

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.

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: A deep-cleaning, topical surfactant in liquid form containing; polyethylene glycol alkylphenol ether containing 9 glycol units, Trypsin; Chymotrypsin; Pepsin; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Ethanol; Hydrogen Peroxide, Acetic acid; and Deionized water.

Abstract: Microorganisms are removed from the surface of materials such as fabrics or contact lenses by treatment with a Type II endoglycosidase. The Type II endoglycosidase may be used alone or in combination with other enzymes, detergents, surfactants and/or disulfide cleaving reagents to facilitate removal of the microorganisms. The Type II endoglycosidase may be an Endo-.beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase, Endo-.alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or Endo-.beta.-N-galactosidase.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the compostability of waste products (i.e., products which have been discarded after use such as diapers) containing one or more propylene polymer materials by exposure to high-energy ionizing radiation in an oxidizing atmosphere, such as air, to improve the rate of the biological degradation of the propylene polymer material(s). The irradiated waste product is then contacted with living microorganisms in the presence of sufficient moisture for their growth and of an oxygen-containing gas to produce a useful compost humus.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with a cellulase solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of all CBH I type cellulase components. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface on which is bound a glycoside-containing substance. The substance can be blood or components thereof, fecal matter or components thereof or microorganisms. The surface can be fabric, biological tissue, tooth enamel, contact lens, glass, ceramic, metal, metal alloy, plastic, plant, fruit and vegetable. A Type II endoglycosidase is used to carry out the method.

Abstract: Non-dyed and non-finished cotton woven fabric is contacted with a cellulase solution with agitation under conditions so as to produce a cascading effect of the solution over the cotton woven fabric. When so conducted, the treated cotton woven fabric has improved feel and appearance characteristics as compared to the fabric prior to treatment. Additionally, such methods result in the removal of dead and immature cotton from the fabric.

Abstract: Present invention offers, for the first time, a biological approach through the use of white-rot fungi to the decolorization of dye wastewater. It is also applicable to other colored substances and/or their wastewater such as molasses. Because of its low cost, renewable and regenerative activity, and little or no secondary pollution hazard, biological method is the most widely practiced method in nature and in practice in treating organic refuse and industrial waste. Current invention discloses, specifically, undiscovered activities of the Myrothecium and Ganoderma fungi in removing colored substances from dye solutions and dye wastewater. It is the result of a deliberate process of screening for natural water/soil-born and farm/industrial-waste-derived microorganisms for such specific purpose in our laboratory.The accompanied process invention shows that simple biological treatment could also produce consistently effective results in treating a wide spectrum of dye wastewater under greatly varied conditions.

Abstract: A process for bleaching a textile substrate in an aqueous medium, comprisinga) applying a peroxide or a peroxide releasing product to the substrate (hereinafter defined as "component a"); andb) destroying excess component a) with a catalase.

Abstract: Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergents containing anionic synthetic surfactant, detergency builder, specific proteolytic enzyme, and calcium ion are disclosed. The compositions provide improved cleaning performance, particularly through-the-wash, on enzyme-sensitive stains.

Abstract: Enzymes isolated from krill of the order Euphausiaceae are used to remove biological contaminants. Preferably, a mixture of enzymes including exo-and endopeptidase is isolated. The enzymes can be used in laundering or to clean or debride living tissue. Isolation may be carried out by homogenizing krill and extracting the enzymes with an aqueous medium. The enzymes may be further purified by gel chromatography. After lipids have been removed, the enzymes can be lyophilized for long time storage.

Abstract: Denim having a stone washed appearance is produced without stones by treating with a cellulase enzyme. Unsewn dyed denim fabric or a newly manufactured garment made of dyed denim fabric is contacted with an aqueous composition containing at least about 2500 CMCS units of cellulase per liter, and subjected to mechanical action. Preferably, the aqueous composition provides at least about 6000 CMC units of cellulase per pound of unsewn fabric or garment. The aqueous may also contain an electrolyte, a buffer, a builder salt a cellulase activator, an antioxidant and a solubilizer.

Abstract: A lipolytic enzymatic detergent additive, the lipase of which is from a lipase producing strain of Pseudomonas cepacia, detergent compositions containing such an additive and washing with the detergent compositions at temperatures below about 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detergent composition comprising lipases. By inclusion of a certain, immunologically defined class of lipases in a detergent composition which comprises a mixture of an anionic and a nonionic detergent, an improved overall detergency is obtained. Typical suitable lipases are obtained from certain Pseudomonas and Chromobacter strains.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions containing an extracellular protease produced by a microorganism of the genus Vibrio are provided. Such enzymes are characterized by a high proteolytic activity, stability over wide pH and tmperature ranges and excellent stability to oxidizing agents, including a unique stability to chlorine bleaches, and are well-suited for formulation into laundry detergents, automatic dishwasher detergents, laundry bleaches, pre-soaks, as well as other types of cleaning compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a certain class of lipases together with strong bleaching agents in detergent compositions. This class of lipases consists of fungal lipases ex Humicola lanuginosa or Thermomyces lanuginosus, and bacterial lipases which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipase produced by Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRL B-3673. The strong bleaching agents are stronger than the sodium perborate/TAED system, i.e. stronger than peracetic acid or they yield, on perhydrolysis, a peracid faster than the sodium perborate/TAED system.

Abstract: Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a "stone-washed", distressed or "used and abused" look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, "stone-washed" or "acid washed look" are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqueous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a certain class of lipases together with strong bleaching agents in detergent compositions. This class of lipases consists of fungal lipases ex Humicola lanuginosa or Thermomyces lanuginosus, and bacterial lipases which show a positive immunological cross-reaction with the antibody of the lipase produced by Chromobacter viscosum var. lipolyticum NRRL B-3673. The strong bleaching agents are stronger than the sodium perborate/TAED system, i.e. stronger than peracetic acid or they yield, on perhydrolysis, a peracid faster than the sodium perborate/TAED system.