Effects of lugworm protease on the dyeing properties of protein fibers

A lugworm protease, Perinereis aibuhitensis, was used to improve the dyeing properties of protein fibers such as wool and silk. The optimal condition for the activity of the lugworm protease was about 40 °C at pH 7. The wool and silk were treated with the protease extracted from a lugworm and the K/S values of the dyed wool and silk were measured using a spectrophotometer in order to compare the dye uptake. The protease treatment enhanced the dyeing properties of protein fibers without severe changes in their mechanical properties. The surface appearances of protease-treated fibers were observed via microscopy.