Major applications of bio-auxiliary in the textile industry:

• Improvement of plant varieties used in the production of textile fibres and in fibre properties.
• Improvement of fibres derived from animals and health care of the animals.
• Novel fibres from biopolymers and genetically modified micro-organisms
• Replacement of harsh and energy demanding chemical treatments by enzymes in textile processing
• Environmentally friendly routes to textile auxiliaries such as dyestuffs
• Novel uses for enzymes in textile finishing
• Development of low energy enzyme based detergents
• New diagnostic tools for detection of adulteration and Quality Control of textiles
• Waste management

Biodegradable surfactant

Surfactants (surface active agents) are major components of cleaning products. Surfactants are classified according to their electrical charge: anionic (negative charge), nonionic (no charge), cationic (positive charge) and amphoteric (either positive or negative charge).

Anionic surfactants are effective in removing particulates (dirt, dust) and oily solids. Soap is an anionic surfactant.

Nonionic surfactants are less seriously affected by water hardness and are especially useful in products designed to require little rinsing.

However, neither is environmentally preferable.

Conslusion:

• Need to increase the eco awareness
• Need to adapt Eco friendly manufacturing and processing processes
• Need for more competent testing laboratories.

About the Author:

Mr. Edward Menezes is the Director of Rossari Biotech, Mumbai.

--------------- x ---------------