EU - ENZUP - Enzymatic Up-Grading of Wool Fibres

The target of this project is the development of machine washable wool by limiting the degradation of wool fibres to their cuticle scale. This will be achieved by developing novel, genetically engineered proteases with increased molecular size for producing shrink-resistance and other improved properties on wool fibres and fabrics. Furthermore, other new environmentally friendly processes including efficient bio-scouring and bio-finishing processes, and low temperature dyeing for wool fibres will be developed via treatments with a range of specially engineered proteases. The application of these proteases will also be extended to new detergent formulations for industrial and domestic washing and wool carpet cleaning and thus improve hygienic aspects of wool based textile materials.