The main function of detergent enzymes is to remove stains. Enzymes significantly enhance the effectiveness of detergents, providing better cleaning performance and making the products more environmentally friendly.
Since enzymes are biodegradable, they can be a suitable alternative to hazardous chemicals, and they also help reduce washing temperatures. The benefits of enzymes in the detergent industry include better stain removal, shorter washing times, lower washing temperatures, reduced water and energy consumption, and minimal environmental impact.
Enzymes are available in both granular and liquid forms, which are used in powdered and liquid detergents, such as laundry detergents for washing machines and dishwashers, various liquid laundry detergents, stain removers, and more.
Different enzymes have distinct properties, and based on these properties, they are used in detergent formulations. The following are some of the most important enzymes used in the detergent industry.
Protease
Protease is one of the most widely used enzymes in the detergent industry. These enzymes break down proteins into smaller peptides, making it easier for them to be removed from fabrics and dishes. Proteases break down protein stains such as blood, sweat, milk, egg yolk, and egg, as well as meat, which are some of the most challenging stains on dishes and clothing.
Amylase
Amylases break down carbohydrates, making them especially useful in removing starch-based stains like flour, chocolate, sauces, and even food stains from potatoes and rice. During the washing process, stains are removed by water pressure, but a small amount of starch may remain on the dishes. Over time, these starch residues accumulate, and the use of amylase in detergents ensures that these stains are completely removed.
Lipase
These enzymes break down fats and oils. Therefore, they are highly effective in removing grease, oil, butter, and sauces. Lipases can make triglycerides more water-soluble by hydrolyzing them into diglycerides, making it easier for these substances to dissolve in an alkaline environment during a standard washing process and detach from surfaces.
Cellulase
Cellulase has an excellent application in laundry for cotton fabrics and helps maintain the softness, smoothness, and color of these fabrics. It can also break down beta-glucosidic bonds in cellulose to quickly restore the natural shine of fabrics made from natural fibers. Cellulase prevents fiber balling on fabrics, which often occurs due to improper washing. It is also used to remove stains from fruits, vegetables, and reduce lint and stiffness in fabrics. These enzymes make fabrics appear softer and cleaner.
Pectinase
These enzymes are used to break down pectin, a type of plant fiber found in fruits. Pectinase can also serve as an effective alternative to harsh bleach and cleaners. Its main application is in removing stains caused by fruits like berries, tomatoes, etc.
Mannanase
Mannanase is an important enzyme in the detergent industry, specifically used to break down mannans, a type of polysaccharide found in plant-based materials like guar gum, sesame gum, and other substances. This enzyme helps reduce the adhesion of stains from plant-based materials, improves detergent performance, and enhances cleaning power. As mannans can create stubborn stains on fabrics or surfaces, the use of mannanase in detergent formulations can increase the effectiveness of products in removing these types of stains. These enzymes are particularly useful in liquid and powder detergents designed for washing cotton, wool, or for hand washing.
They can remove stains from chocolate, salad dressings, cosmetics, sauces, ice cream, and processed foods.
Catalase
Catalases are enzymes that break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In the detergent industry, these enzymes can help remove stains caused by oxidizing agents or improve the effectiveness of disinfectants.
Granular Detergent Enzyme Mixes
Granular alkaline enzyme mixes derived from selected strains are used in washing machines and dishwashers to break down stains that have easily separated from surfaces during the wash cycle.
Liquid Detergent Enzyme Mixes
Our liquid alkaline enzyme mixes include protease, lipase, amylase, cellulase, mannanase, and pectinase, which effectively break down stains to help them detach from surfaces in washing machines or dishwashers.
The Role of Enzymes in Detergents
Increased washing efficiency: Enzymes help break down various organic materials and stains, allowing detergents to remove stains at lower temperatures and more quickly, which saves energy.
Chemical savings : Enzymes can naturally and effectively replace chemical stain removers and cleaners, especially in liquid detergents that tend to be less harmful to the environment.
Reduced fabric damage : The use of enzymes in detergents can reduce damage to fabric fibers, which is especially important in frequent washes and at lower temperatures.
Environmental sustainabilit : Since many enzymes are derived from natural sources and require fewer chemicals, their use can help reduce environmental impacts.
Benefits of Using Enzymes in Detergents :
Performance at low temperatures : Many enzymes are active at low temperatures, allowing them to be used in cold or low-temperature washes, which saves energy.
High efficiency : Enzymes are specifically designed to remove certain types of stains, so they perform better than regular chemical detergents at removing stains.
Environmental compatibility : Since enzymes are naturally biodegradable, their use usually results in less environmental harm.
Reduced damage to fabrics and surfaces: Enzyme use can reduce fabric wear and tear during washing.
Challenges and Limitations
High cost : Producing enzymes, especially specific ones, can be costly, which is why detergents containing enzymes tend to be priced higher.
Stability : Some enzymes may not work well under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, extreme pH, or in acidic or alkaline environments. To address this issue, enzymes need to be formulated with stabilizers and protective agents under specific conditions.
Allergies and sensitivities : Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to products containing enzymes, so it is important to provide sufficient information about the composition of detergents to consumers.
The Future of Enzymes in the Detergent Industry
Given the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance products, it is expected that the use of enzymes in the detergent industry will continue to expand. Ongoing research into newer and optimized enzymes, such as those more resistant to high temperatures or various pH levels, could offer more opportunities for the industry.
Ultimately, enzymes are key components in enhancing detergent performance, and their use will continue to be a focus, especially in producing more environmentally friendly and efficient products.
Granular Enzyme Production
Granular enzyme production generally involves processes in which enzymes are transformed into granules or fine particles. These processes may include the following:
Drying process: One of the most common methods for producing granular enzymes is drying liquid or powder enzymes to form granules. This method is typically carried out through spray drying or compression.
Continuous process: In this process, enzymes are continuously produced and formed into granules of specific sizes.
Encapsulation process: In this method, enzymes are placed inside a capsule or matrix to protect them and then marketed as granules.
Benefits of Granular Enzymes
Higher thermal and chemical stability: Granular enzymes, due to their form as fine particles, typically have greater resistance to harsh conditions such as high temperatures, low or high pH, and industrial environments.
Easier control: Granules are easier to control in industrial and biotechnological processes, especially when they need to be produced on a large scale.
Longer performance: These enzymes typically have longer activity, reducing operational costs.
Challenges
High cost: Producing granular enzymes, especially on a large scale, can be expensive, especially in processes that require precise control.
Complex production processes: To produce high-quality granular enzymes, complex processes like encapsulation or drying may be required, which might require specific infrastructure.
