Eco-Friendly Method to Turn Banana Fibers into Cotton-Like Textiles

Greg Howard
15th August, 2024

Eco-Friendly Method to Turn Banana Fibers into Cotton-Like Textiles

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the National Textile University explored ways to make banana fibers softer and more suitable for textiles
  • Researchers found that using specific enzyme combinations was more effective than chemical treatments for processing banana fibers
  • The optimal enzyme combinations significantly improved the softness and spinnability of banana fibers, making them viable for textile use
Banana fibers, derived from the waste of banana pseudo stems, present a promising sustainable material for the textile industry due to their natural mechanical strength and antibacterial properties. However, their inherent stiffness and rough texture have limited their broader application. A recent study conducted by the National Textile University investigates the potential of using enzyme combinations and chemical methods to produce spinnable soft banana fibers[1]. The study aimed to optimize the degumming process, which is essential for removing non-cellulosic substances from fibers, thereby enhancing their spinnability and softness. The researchers employed an L9 orthogonal array in a Taguchi design of the experiment to identify the most effective process parameters. Two primary degumming methods were tested: enzyme combination and chemical treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). For the enzyme combination degumming, various enzymes such as hemicellulase, laccase, amylase, and pectinase were used in different quantities. The results demonstrated that enzyme-based degumming procedures outperformed chemical treatments. The optimal enzyme combinations identified included Hemicellulase 5%, Laccase 5%, Amylase 3%, and another combination of Hemicellulase 5%, Laccase 3%, Pectinase 5%. These combinations effectively reduced lignin content while maintaining the cellulose structure, resulting in fibers with higher cellulose percentages, moisture content, and tenacity values. This study builds on previous research into the degradation of lignocellulosic materials. For instance, a study on banana residues highlighted the environmental challenges posed by the improper disposal of these agricultural by-products and demonstrated the potential of cellulolytic bacteria in breaking down lignocellulosic materials[2]. The current study's findings align with these earlier results by showcasing another method to process banana residues efficiently, emphasizing the sustainability and practicality of enzyme-based treatments. Additionally, the research into the degumming of ramie fibers using pectinolytic enzymes from Amycolata sp. provides a relevant comparison[3]. The success of pectate lyase in reducing gum content in ramie fibers parallels the effectiveness of the enzyme combinations used in the current study for banana fibers. The use of enzymes like pectinase in both studies highlights the importance of targeted enzymatic action in improving fiber quality. The study's approach to optimizing enzyme combinations through the Taguchi design of experiments is noteworthy. This statistical method helps identify the best conditions for achieving desired outcomes with minimal experimentation, ensuring efficient use of resources and time. By determining the most efficient enzyme combinations and their effects on fiber qualities, the researchers offer a sustainable method for processing banana fibers to textile grade. In conclusion, the study conducted by the National Textile University provides valuable insights into the potential of enzyme-based degumming methods for banana fibers. By leveraging optimal enzyme combinations, the researchers have paved the way for producing softer, spinnable banana fibers suitable for textile applications, thus addressing the limitations posed by their natural stiffness and rough texture. This research not only contributes to the sustainable use of agricultural waste but also aligns with broader efforts to reduce the carbon, energy, and water footprints in the textile industry[4].

SustainabilityBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) An eco-friendly enzymatic treatment to prepare spinnable banana fibers as an alternative to cotton for textile applications.

Published 12th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134630

Related Studies

2) Acetobacter orientalis XJC-C with a high lignocellulosic biomass-degrading ability improves significantly composting efficiency of banana residues by increasing metabolic activity and functional diversity of bacterial community.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124661

3) Enzymatic degumming of ramie bast fibers.

Journal: Journal of biotechnology, Issue: Vol 76, Issue 1, Jan 2000

4) Assessing the potential of GHG emissions for the textile sector: A baseline study.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22404


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