Method for the Modification of Polyacrylonitrile Fibres Containing Vinyl Acetate as a Comonomer and Polyamide Fibres, Using a Cutinase Enzyme

Abstract

This invention relates a new enzymatic process for the modification of the surface of synthetic fibres using a cutinase enzyme (3.1.1.74). The enzymatic action causes the hydrolysis of the polyacrylonitrile fibres containing vinyl acetate as a comonomer and polyamide fibres, improving their hydrophilic characteristics and dyeing properties.

1 . Method for the treatment of polyacrylonitrile fibre containing vinyl acetate as a comonomer, characterised in that it comprises the contact of the fibre with an enzyme solution in order to modify the chemical surface of the fibre, increasing the number of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups.  
   
   
       2 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises the treatment of the polyacrylonitrile fibre containing vinyl acetate as comonomer with an enzyme with esterase action.  
   
   
       3 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the enzyme contains the catalytic triad of serine-histidine-aspartic acid.  
   
   
       4 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the enzyme esterase is a hydrolase that degrades cutine.  
   
   
       5 . Method according to  claim 1 , characterised by the use of an amount of enzyme between 1 and 400 g of protein per Kg of fibre.  
   
   
       6 . Method for the treatment method of polyamide fibre, characterised in that it comprises the contact of the fibre with an enzyme solution in order to modify the chemical surface of the fibre, increasing the number of hydrophilic amino groups.  
   
   
       7 . Method according to  claim 6 , characterised in that it comprises the treatment of the polyamide fibre with an enzyme with esterase action.  
   
   
       8 . Method according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the enzyme contains the catalytic triad of serine-histidine-aspartic acid.  
   
   
       9 . Method according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the enzyme esterase is a hydrolase that degrades cutine.  
   
   
       10 . Method according to  claim 6 , characterised by the use of an amount of enzyme between 1 and 400 g of protein per Kg of fibre.  
   
   
       11 . Method according to claims  1  and  6 , characterised by the use of a treatment bath with a retrievable and reusable enzyme.