**Research and Application of Catalase in the Textile Industry**
*Wang Wei, Wu Jian-Guo (Yancheng Textile Vocational and Technical College, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, China)*
**Abstract:** This paper explores the mechanism of catalase, with a focus on its role in biological oxygen removal and oxygen bleaching wastewater treatment. It highlights the current research status and potential applications of catalase in the textile industry, emphasizing its environmental and economic benefits.
**Keywords:** Catalase; Textile; Research status
**CLC number:** TS192.2
**Document code:** A
**Article ID:** 1009-3028(2013)01—0050—02
**1. Catalase**
**1.1 Overview of Catalase**
Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), also known as hydrogen peroxide enzyme, is an oxidoreductase that specifically acts on hydrogen peroxide. It catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen by transferring electrons. As one of the most efficient enzymes, a single molecule of catalase can break down up to 80,000 molecules of hydrogen peroxide per second. It is widely found in living organisms, where it protects cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. The reaction mechanism of catalase is as follows:
**1.2 Mechanism of Action**
The primary physiological function of catalase is to participate in the metabolism of active oxygen species. Oxygen itself is not harmful, but when its electron distribution changes, it can generate reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals. These species are highly damaging to cellular structures. Hydroxyl radicals, in particular, cause significant harm, and many organisms lack effective direct quenchers for them. Catalase prevents the formation of hydroxyl radicals by breaking down hydrogen peroxide and protecting hemoglobin and other thiol-containing proteins from oxidation. This makes catalase essential for maintaining cellular health and reducing oxidative stress.
**2. Application Status of Catalase in the Textile Industry**
**2.1 Oxygen Removal Process**
Recent studies have shown that catalase is widely used in the textile industry, particularly in oxygen removal processes. He Zhaoxing et al. compared traditional high-temperature oxygen removal methods with biological approaches and found that the latter improves production efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and lowers costs. In industries with high water usage, adopting biological oxygen removal not only addresses resource shortages but also supports long-term sustainable development.
Li Wendong and others discovered that catalase activity is influenced by temperature and pH. At optimal conditions (pH 7, 30°C), the enzyme performs best. Using enzymatic washing instead of water washing helps reduce the number of steps in the dyeing process, saving water, energy, and time. The recommended process includes bleaching, washing, and enzymatic treatment followed by dyeing in the same bath.
Zhang Ruiping and colleagues determined that the optimal conditions for removing hydrogen peroxide using catalase are 20°C, pH 6–8, and 15 minutes of treatment. This method is more environmentally friendly than traditional high-temperature washing and has minimal impact on fabric quality.
Xu Gang reported that using catalase to remove residual hydrogen peroxide on cotton yarn saves approximately 127.76 yuan per ton of yarn produced and reduces wastewater discharge by about 10 tons. Over a year, this leads to significant cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Liu Jie and others optimized the catalase deodorization process for linen dyeing. They found that the best conditions are 4.5 mL/L enzyme dosage, pH 7, 35°C, and 25 minutes of treatment. This process maintains fabric whiteness and color fastness while lowering energy use and overall costs.
**2.2 Optimization of Textile Catalase Processes**
Jiangnan University’s Leng Tanxiang developed a new type of catalase from *Thermoascus aurantiacus* WSH03-01 and studied its application in cotton treatments. This improved the reproducibility of dyeing after bleaching.
Li Chengxuan immobilized catalase on oxidized cotton fabric using sodium periodate. The results showed that the immobilized enzyme had better thermal and storage stability compared to free enzymes. This makes it more suitable for industrial applications.
**2.3 Treatment of Bleaching Wastewater**
Yang Wenfang et al. treated peracetic acid bleached cotton knit fabric wastewater using catalase and sodium thiosulfate before reuse in dyeing. The results showed that the treated wastewater achieved good K/S values and color fastness. The optimal conditions were 2 g/L catalase, 1 g/L sodium thiosulfate, 40°C, and 20 minutes of treatment.
Li Chengxuan also found that fabrics dyed with wastewater treated by immobilized catalase showed similar performance to those dyed with fresh water, with minimal color differences and good rubbing fastness.
**3. Future Prospects**
As a novel enzyme preparation, catalase plays a crucial role in the pretreatment of cotton fabrics. Compared to traditional chemical and water washing methods, it offers significant advantages in terms of cost, pollution reduction, and process efficiency. It also improves fabric softness and strength, shortens processing time, and enhances safety.
The use of catalase in the textile industry supports energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable development. It is becoming a key technology for clean production and represents a promising direction for the future of the textile sector.
**References**
[1] Cao Xiangyu. Industrial production and application research of catalase [D]. Wuxi: School of Environmental Engineering, Jiangnan University, 2006.
[2] He Zhaoxing, Yuan Jun. Application and practice of catalase [J]. Printing and Dyeing, 2001, (5): 29–30.
[3] Li Wendong, Wu Yujuan, Zhu Quan, et al. Study on the removal of residual hydrogen peroxide on fabric by catalase [J]. Printing and Dyeing, 2000, 26 (9): 8–10.
[4] Zhang Ruiping. Application of catalase in cotton knit fabric bleaching and dyeing process [J]. Printing and Dyeing, 2000, (8): 12–14.
[5] Xu Gang. Application of catalase in dyeing production [J]. Progress in Textile Technology, 2005, (2): 29–30.
[6] Liu Jie, et al. Enzymatic washing and deoxidation technology in linen dyeing [J]. Journal of Qiqihar University, 2006, (6): 102–104.
[7] Leng Sunxiang, Qian Guozhen, Hua Zhaozhe, et al. Study on bleaching and dyeing process of cotton knitted fabric with catalase [J]. Printing and Dyeing, 2006, 32 (19): 1–3.
[8] Li Chengxuan. Immobilized catalase for Hâ‚‚Oâ‚‚ [D]. Wuxi: School of Textile Engineering, Jiangnan University, 2008.
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â–ª Standard:3A, DIN, SMS, BS, RTJ, ISO, IDF, DS, INCH, etc
â–ª Material: Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301), Stainless Steel 316L(1.4404) etc.
▪ Size Range: 1/2″ to 12″ / DN15 ~ DN300
â–ª Connection Type: Welded, Tri-Clamped, Threaded
Surface Finish:
Mechanically polished and electropolished are available for our products. Outside and Inner surface can be treated complied to specified needs, and to meet FDA, GMP requirement.
Tube and Fittings: Ra0.4, Ra0.6, Ra0.8 or specified ( 180grit, 240grit, 300grit, 400grit, mirror polished, sandblasting finish, brushed finish etc.)
Both outside and inner available.
Quality & Inspection:
â–ª PMI test to verify material grade
â–ª Dimension controlling during fabricating and finished
â–ª Visual and surface 100% examination before shipment
â–ª Packed in carton box firstly, then in wooden case
Strength:
â–ª Material of stainless steel 316L and 1.4404 is from reputed mill to guarantee the chemical composition and mechanical properties.
â–ª Fast delivery is possible to meet your needs well in time.
â–ª Low cost from bulk production will reduce your budget and improve your business.
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