Bleaching of cotton fabrics using hydrogen peroxide produced by glucose oxidase

Abstract

Bleaching effect of cotton fabrics using hydrogen peroxide produced by glucose oxidase enzyme from <i style="">Aspergillus niger</i> has been studied. It is observed that enzymes are highly active at acidic <i style="">p</i>H under room temperature in terms of peroxide release during the reaction. Incomplete conversion of glucose by the enzyme results in discolouration of the reaction bath and the fabrics under alkaline <i style="">p</i>H conditions. External supply of oxygen and mechanical agitation during initial stage of reaction influence the conversion of glucose into hydrogen peroxide and whiteness index of bleached samples.