What roles do enzymes play in detergents that we use for washing clothes? Are these enzymes produced from some unique microorganisms?
Lipase is an essential biological catalyst frequently utilized in the formulation of laundry detergents. This enzyme exhibits a high specificity for the hydrolysis of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids, thereby facilitating the removal of fat-based stains from textile materials. Its primary role is to effectively degrade and solubilize lipids, which are resistant to removal by aqueous solutions. Through this catalytic process, lipase enhances the cleaning efficiency of the detergent by converting insoluble oils into constituents that are more amenable to washing, thus resulting in garments that are both clean and free from persistent staining.
Lipase is produced from the fungus species Aspergillus niger.