ENZYMATIC DEGUMMING OF SILK: Natural fibres are eco-friendly in nature, and are essential alternatives in the ever-expanding horizon of textile fire. They are non-toxic and bio-degradable. They do not disturb the ecological balance of the environment. Silk is one of the most ancient natural fibers, proteins in nature and highly hygienic. It is derived from the moth Bombyx mori , feeding on mulberry leaves, is known as mulberry silk. It is commonly known as the’ Queen of Textile’, due to its luster, elegance and versatility. Silk is only natural filament fibre. Silk is composed of fibroin and sericin. The filament is a double strand of fibroin, which is held together by gummy substances called sericin or silk gum. Degumming of silk to remove the sericin is an important step. Soda-ash and sulphides used in conventional degumming process not only reduces the fabric strength but also causes pollu...
