ABSTRACT
Enzymes are protein molecules designed by nature to act as catalysts in biological systems. The catalytic nature of enzymes makes them highly efficient as detergent components; typically, only 0.5–2% of granulated enzyme product is required in a compact powder detergent formulation. Formulators need information on the content of active enzyme in the enzyme products incorporated as detergent ingredients. The increasing use of enzymes in compact powder detergents is an important contribution to the development of green technology. Enzymes have a positive impact on the environment because they allow reduced washing temperatures and because they may replace conventional chemical-based technologies. Amylases are hydrolytic enzymes that degrade insoluble starch into soluble carbohydrate fragments. Cellulases are enzymes that degrade cellulose, a glucose polymer, hydrolytically into soluble oligosaccharides by attacking the β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. The trends toward more compact detergents and still declining wash temperatures place enzymes as primary drivers in the detergent industry.
