Diving into commercial cellulase formulations for circular polyester/cotton separation through targeted depolymerization of cotton.

ABSTRACT: The rapid growth of the textile industry, driven by fast fashion trends, has significantly increased textile waste, particularly blends of polyester (PET) and cotton fibers, and efficient recycling of blended textiles requires effective fiber separation methods, yet current strategies face substantial limitations. This study investigates the performance of commercially available cellulase formulations for enzymatic depolymerization of cotton and suggests an optimized activity pattern for novel reactor systems for recycling of PET/cotton blends. Thirty-five cellulase formulations intended for biopolishing, stonewashing, or biomass degradation were extensively characterized through biochemical assays (protein quantification, reducing sugar content, SDS-PAGE, and enzyme-specific activity assa

SUBMITTER: Egan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12491305 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature