Enzyme Treatment of Wool and Specialty Hair Fibers

In the 2006 study, the use of enzymes xylanase and pectinase was found to be as effective as traditional soap and hot water treatments for cleaning wool and specialty hair fibers such as llama, alpaca, mohair, and camel. These enzymes did not damage the fibers, maintaining their tenacity and diameter, and were considered eco-friendly alternatives to conventional scouring methods. Resinase, however, was not an effective scouring agent. The study also observed changes in cystein content, which is crucial for treatment efficacy due to its role in disulfide linkages. The results suggest that enzyme treatments, especially with xylanase and pectinase, could be beneficial for the industry, offering a method to produce non-felting, clean, and soft woolen products.