Many laundry detergents contain special enzymes that help to get laundry
cleaner. Some of the most commonly used enzymes are: proteases to digest
protein based stains, a-amylase to digest starch based stains, and lipases
to digest fat or oil based stains. Other enzymes used in some detergents
are Guardzyme (a peroxidase) to inhibit dye transfer and Carezyme to remove
the fuzz that builds up on cotton clothes.
This laboratory activity is intended to allow students to investigate the
effectiveness of enzymes in laundry detergents.
Dave Estell, Genencor International. Session talk at the BIO'99
International Biotechnology Meeting and Exhibition in Seattle,
WA on May 17, 1999.
New Enzyme Activities.
Glenn Nedwin, Novo Nordisk Biotech, Inc.. Session talk at the BIO'99
International Biotechnology Meeting and Exhibition in Seattle,
WA on May 17, 1999.