Search

Biotechnology for Textiles

offer_textile

The textile industry is developing well, but there is fierce competition on innovative new fibers and applications and biotechnology is at its forefront. Have a look at what acib has to offer …

Background

Enzymes have been used in the textile industry for a long time: Just to name some examples, there are amylases for desizing of fibres, cellulases for ‘stone-washed’ fabrics and prevention of pilling, proteases for degumming of silk, catalases for the removal of residual hydrogen peroxide after bleaching or laccases for natural (chlorine-free) bleaching. However, thanks to recent advances in biotechnology, the portfolio of potential applications has been extended significantly.

Technology

acib provides solutions for anti-microbial textiles by attaching proteolytic, polysaccharide-degrading or other enzymes preventing microbial growth and associated problems. acib could further introduce enzymes able to degrade toxic and/or malodorous compounds such as formaldehyde, thiols, sulphides, aliphatic hydrocarbons to provide a health benefit in case of e.g. train/bus/plane seats or indoor textiles. The application of free-radical scavenging enzymes or functional textiles e.g. bandages which could indicate an inflammation by a colour change, provide health benefits. Our expertise in enzyme engineering allows to improve the stability and/or activity of enzymes in the textile industry.
acib can also improve the production of novel fibres e.g. 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a monomer for polyethylenefuranoate (PEF) by a fungal bio-refinery based on Trichoderma reesei for generation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and subsequent enzymatic oxidation cascades for polymerization to FDCA and PEF or by an improved biocatalytic process from fructose to HMF.

Project Offer

Under protection of a CDA/NDA we provide you with professional strategies for the application of your choice. Any IP developed in such a project would fully belong to our investor/industrial partner.

Experts:

Prof. Dr. Georg Gübitz, Prof. Dr. Bernd Nidetzky, Dr. Daniel Luschnig, Dr. Bernhard Seiboth, Dr. Matthias Slatner

Available for:

Investment, Joint Research Projects, Contract Research

Development status:

Technology Readiness Level 3-5 (Technology validated in lab)

IPR:

WO2012085016. More can be generated for our industrial partners / investors

Keywords:

Bio-Textiles, Enzyme Technology, Water/Dirt Repellant, Anti-Microbial features, Degradation of toxins, Healthy Fibres, Fungal Bio-Refinery, Bioplastic Fibres
Picture credits: Pixabay

Dr. Martin U. Trinker
Director Business Development & Fundraising
Krenngasse 37
8010 Graz
e-mail
+43 316 873 9316