Enzymatic ramie degumming: a sustainable, holistic strategies toward a high-quality fibre processing

Abstract

The third largest water-polluting sector, textile sector has created a threat to the ecology and environment because of the generation of huge effluents (chemicals and dyes) produced during the processing of fibres. Thus, it is a challenge for professionals to address such issues amicably to achieve a net zero footprint on the environment. Ramie degumming and its effective management is one such challenge that needs appropriate and effective management of discharged chemicals. The present article emphasises a method for processing ramie fibre, employing modern techniques that replace conventional chemical treatments. Thus, the alternative biocatalyst i.e., the enzyme concoction extracted from a novel brown rot fungus Formitopsis cf melia has been used that not only efficiently degum the fibre in a shorter span of time but also in a cost-effective manner. The process provided a degumming time of 6 h with residual gum content of 5.39 ± 0.12%, yield of 94.59 ± 0.95% and whiteness index of 68.3. Further, a two-parameter Weibull distribution has been performed to obtain increased Weibull modulus of the Steam Explosion-Enzymatic Treatment (STEX-ET) processed fibre (4.4857) at an R² value of 94.60% and tenacity of 9.84 ± 2.30 cN/dtex compared to the chemically treated process demonstrating better efficiency, reliability and feasibility with improved mechanical properties. The chemical oxygen demand of the degummed solution in the STEX-ET process was 2296.58 ± 68.88 mg/L, emphasizing the environment-friendly aspects of this enzymatic treatment. Additionally, the eco-friendly enzyme was reusable, making the approach sustainable and economically feasible.

Graphic abstract