Degumming of Silk with Fungal Protease

Introduction

The invention proposes an alternative method for removal of protein from silk particularly removal of rerecin from mulberry type of silk yarn with a fungal protease enzyme.The traditional method for removal of such protein from the silk involve extraction of silk with water followed by boiling off in soap with alkali, acid and enzyme. Such known method of the prior act suffer from one or the other disadvantage like high energy consumption and time consumption.Also quantity of water used has a greater influence on the quality of silk which can lead to loss in lustre of silk. This process can be completed in about three hours / shorter duration i.e. reduced reaction time making overall process a time saving and hence an economical process. Another objective of this process is that it can be carried out at reduced temperature i.e. about 37 Degree C hence further making the overall process an energy saving and an economical process. Another objective is that this process does not employ any soap, acid and alkali and hence eliminate all disadvantages and drawbacks of such known methods employing soaps, alkalis and acids.

Special Features:

Energy saving, less time consuming, low temperatures, elimination of many disadvantages of conventional methods.

Keywords:

Fungal Protease, Degumming, Silk

Type of Technology:

Process

Status of IPR Protection:

Patent application no. 2493/DEL/98.

For further information please contact :

Managing Director
Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT)
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, INDIA
Tel : 91-011-26597167, 26857762, 26581013, 26597153
Fax : 91-011-26851169
E-mail : drkdpn@gmail.com