Process for dyeing textiles and enzymes used therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indigo dyeing processes for textiles require harsh chemicals and large amounts of water, leading to environmental concerns and increased costs due to the use of reducing agents and subsequent wastewater treatment, while also potentially damaging textiles with alkaline processes.
Innovation Solution
A process using a modified oxidizing enzyme with a cellulose-binding domain (CBD) to convert indole or its derivatives directly onto textiles, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and water by enabling effective dyeing of textiles with indigo or its derivatives through enzymatic oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reducing agents (sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrosulfite) are used to reduce indigo to leuco-indigo, then effective dyeing of textiles is achieved, but harsh chemicals and large amounts of water are required, leading to environmental pollution and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the reduction process by using alternative reducing agents with different properties. Instead of strong chemical reducing agents like sodium hydrosulfite, the patent employs milder agents such as sodium borohydride, sodium formate, or enzymatic systems, thereby maintaining dyeing effectiveness while reducing environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes readily available, inexpensive reducing agents that can be easily disposed of or degraded in the environment. Agents like sodium formate or biodegradable enzymatic systems replace persistent chemical reducing agents, allowing for cost-effective and environmentally friendly dyeing processes.
2Reliability
If large quantities of reducing salts and hydroxides are used in conventional dyeing processes, then sufficient reduction of indigo to leuco-indigo is achieved, but great amounts of wastewater are generated that require costly treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration and type of reducing agents to achieve effective reduction with minimal chemical usage. By using highly efficient reducing agents or enzymatic systems, the process requires smaller quantities of chemicals, thereby generating less wastewater that needs treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional chemical reduction mechanisms with enzymatic reduction systems. Enzymes such as peroxidases or laccases catalyze the reduction of indigo under milder conditions, eliminating the need for large quantities of chemical reducing salts and hydroxides, thus reducing wastewater volume.
3Reliability
If extended exposure to alkaline process solution is used in conventional indigo dyeing, then complete dyeing is achieved, but the textile, especially cellulose, may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pH parameters of the dyeing process by using neutral or mildly alkaline conditions instead of strongly alkaline environments. Enzymatic reduction systems operate effectively at near-neutral pH, protecting cellulose textiles from alkaline damage while still achieving complete dyeing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical reduction mechanisms that require alkaline conditions with enzymatic reduction systems. These enzymes function under milder, near-neutral pH conditions, eliminating the need for extended exposure to alkaline solutions that damage textile fibers.
4Productivity
If conventional synthetic routes (Heumann synthesis, Pfleger synthesis) are used for indigo production, then industrial-scale manufacturing is achieved, but harsh chemicals and environmental pollution are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional chemical synthesis routes with biocatalytic synthesis using enzymes or bacteria. These biological systems produce indigo and its derivatives under mild conditions, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high-energy processes while maintaining industrial-scale productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes self-organizing biological systems (enzymes or bacteria) that naturally produce indigo through metabolic pathways. These systems perform the synthesis function autonomously under controlled conditions, providing a sustainable alternative to polluting chemical synthesis methods.
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
This method allows for effective dyeing of textiles with reduced chemical usage, minimizing environmental impact and costs, while providing a sustainable and cost-effective process for producing a range of colors by varying reagents, and maintaining textile integrity.
Implementation Method 1
converting at least part of said indole or indole derivative to indigo or indigo derivative, thereby dyeing at least part of said textile
Implementation Method 2
said oxidizing enzyme is an oxidizing hybrid enzyme comprising a cellulose-binding domain (CBD)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process wherein one or more dye precursors, e.g., indole, are provided to a textile and converted by one or more enzymes, e.g., an oxidizing enzyme, to provide the textile with a dye, e.g. indigo. At least the oxidizing enzyme is a hybrid enzyme including a binding domain that is suitable to bind the enzyme to the textile and/or increase the affinity of the enzyme for the textile, in particular, a cellulose binding domain (CBD).