Abstract
The search for efficient and green oxidation technologies has increased the interest in the use of enzymes to replace the conventional non-biological methods. Among the different existing oxidant enzymes, laccases (benzenediol: oxygen oxidoreductases; EC 1.10.3.2) have been subject of intensive research in the last decades due to their low substrate specificity. The use of laccases in the textile industry is growing very fast, since besides to decolourise textile effluents, laccases are used to bleach textiles, modify the surface of fabrics and synthetise dyes. Therefore, laccase-based processes might replace the traditionally high chemical, energy and water-consuming textile operations. The present paper offers an overview of the laccase applications in the textile industry up to date.
Keywords: bleaching, decolouration, denim, laccase, textile industry, wastewater
