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Enzymes

Decent Essays

Enzymes in detergent

1) What enzymes are used to make this product?
There are essentially six main enzymes involved in detergent, specifically amylases, proteases, lipases, pectinases, cellulases, and mannanases. Each of these enzymes are responsible for targeting stains containing specific macromolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

2) What type of reactions do the enzymes catalyze, and why is this of value?
Amylases are typically responsible for catalysing the breakdown of starches which can be of value in removing the stains of foods such as cereals, pastas, and gravies. The enzyme hydrolyses the bonds within the starch molecule which decomposes it into dextrins and other oligosaccharides, which are soluble and can easily be removed in the wash. …show more content…

For example, the source of two types of proteases are Bacillus alcalophilus and Bacillus lentus. The most common sources of amylases are the bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus licheniformis. On the other hand, lipases are currently being sourced from yeast, bacteria, fungus, and from mammals. Biotex is the main source of cellulases, and have been in use since 1987.

4) Have the enzymes been modified for the process?
One example of enzyme modification for its use in detergents are cellulases. This enzyme which is used to maintain the quality and brightness of clothing can be chemically modified to have a greater stability when used in an alkaline medium. This is done by exposing the cellulases to certain reagents like malcic anhydride. Another example of a modified enzyme would be the alkaline protease, which replaced the endogenous protease. This enzyme was derived from an alkalophilic strain of bacteria called Bacillus cereus, and is currently being used due to its stability at higher water temperatures.

7) What careers are associated with the industry that produces the product you

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