Cutinase Enzyme in Detergents to Reduce Polyester Textile Pilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detergents lack effective solutions to reduce pilling in textiles, particularly those containing synthetic fibers like polyester, where existing anti-pilling enzymes like cellulases are ineffective.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a cutinase with at least 70% sequence identity to a specific amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) into detergents, which significantly reduces pilling in polyester textiles by hydrolyzing cutin fibers, thereby preventing fiber detachment and pilling formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellulases are used in detergents to reduce pilling, then cotton textiles benefit from anti-pilling effect, but polyester textiles remain unaffected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-pilling effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to different fiber types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the enzymatic parameter from cellulase to cutinase, which has different substrate specificity. Cutinase can hydrolyze cutin and polyester fibers, making it effective for synthetic fibers like polyester, whereas cellulase only works on cotton. This parameter change enables the detergent to work on different fiber types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the detergent universally applicable to both natural fibers (cotton) and synthetic fibers (polyester) by using cutinase, which has broader substrate compatibility. The cutinase enzyme can handle multiple fiber types, providing anti-pilling protection across different textile materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If synthetic fibers are used in fabrics, then durability and resistance to mechanical stress improve, but pilling tendency increases due to smooth surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to mechanical stressVSAvoidpilling tendency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful smooth surface property of synthetic fibers into a beneficial target for enzymatic action. By using cutinase to selectively modify the surface of synthetic fibers during washing, the enzyme creates micro-roughness that prevents pill formation, thus converting the original harmful smoothness into a beneficial textured surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical anti-pilling methods with an enzymatic chemical system. Instead of using mechanical abrasion or physical treatments to prevent pilling, the patent uses cutinase enzyme to chemically modify the fiber surface, providing a gentler and more selective approach to preventing pill formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple washes are performed, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but pilling accumulates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidfabric appearance over time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective action by using cutinase during each wash cycle to prevent pill formation before it occurs. The enzyme works proactively on the fiber surface during washing, creating a protective effect that accumulates over multiple washes, preventing the progressive degradation that would otherwise occur with repeated washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention ensures continuous protective action against pilling with every wash cycle. By incorporating cutinase into the detergent formulation, the anti-pilling protection is continuously applied during each washing operation, maintaining fabric appearance over time rather than allowing progressive deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The use of the specified cutinase in detergents results in a substantial reduction in pilling of polyester textiles after multiple washes, maintaining fabric appearance and preventing material thinning and potential tears.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

The use of the specified cutinase in detergents results in a substantial reduction in pilling of polyester textiles after multiple washes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme catalysis: Enzyme

Data Source

PatentEP3408367B1Improved Anti-pilling on polyester textiles through use of a cutinase

Publication Date: 2021.03.17 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of enzyme technology, in particular the anti-pilling action of enzymes, as used, for example, in washing and cleaning agents. The invention relates to an agent, in particular a washing or cleaning agent, which contains a cutinase, as defined herein. The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning textiles and to the use of the agent according to the invention for removing soiling. The invention further relates to the use of a cutinase for reducing pilling effects in an agent, preferably a washing or cleaning agent.