Antimicrobial activity of cotton fabrics containing immobilized enzymes

Immobilization of α‐amylase, alkaline pectinase, and laccase enzymes onto ester‐crosslinked as well as Cu‐chelated cotton fabrics were carried out. Factors affecting the extent of enzyme‐loading and retention activities of immobilized enzymes were studied. Proper conditions for attaining higher extent of fixation along with better retained activity were studied. The degree of antimicrobial activity of treated fabric samples against gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, filamentous, and nonfilamentous fungi were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity is determined by the type of substrate, i.e., Cu‐chelated > ester‐crosslinked and activated cotton substrate, and the nature of immobilized enzyme, i.e., alkaline pectinase > α‐amylase > laccase, irrespective of the used microorganism. The antimicrobial activities of the treated fabrics are completely maintained after laundering at least ten consecutive wash cycles. Further consecutive wash cycles, i.e., 20 or 30 cycles, has practically negative impact on the retained antimicrobial efficacy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1754–1761, 2007