Antimicrobial and antioxidant linen via laccase-assisted grafting

• Published in: Reactive & functional polymers Vol. 71; no. 7; pp. 713 - 720
• Main Authors: Silva, Carla, Matamá, Teresa, Kim, SuYeon, Padrão, Jorge, Nugroho Prasetyo, Endry, Kudanga, Tukayi, Nyanhongo, Gibson S., Guebitz, Georg M., Casal, Margarida, Cavaco-Paulo, Artur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 01.07.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ascomycetes; Catechin; Chitosan; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laccase; Linen; Myceliophthora thermophila; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymerization; Technology of polymers; Polymerization; Catechin; Linen; Chitosan; Laccase; Enzymatic treatment; Artificial fiber; Frictional resistance; Cellulose; Light resistance; Oxidation; Pretreatment; Enzyme; Mechanical properties; Bioactive material; Antioxidant; Experimental study; Biological activity; Cellulose graft copolymer; Bactericidal effect; Chemical coupling; Flax fiber; Morphology; Preparation; Oxidoreductases; Woven material; Antibacterial agent
• ISSN: 1381-5148
• DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2011.03.011

A laccase from Ascomycete myceliophthora thermophila was used to assist the binding of chitosan and catechin onto a previous enzymatically oxidized linen surface. The process consists of the pre-treatment of the linen with laccase followed by the application of chitosan in a first step and catechin plus laccase in a second step. The results presented here support the conclusion that laccase is able to oxidize phenols naturally existing in flax fibres, and that the o-quinones formed promote the attachment of chitosan or/and catechin. The pre-treatment of linen with laccase is therefore the key factor for the success of catechin and chitosan grafting. A multifunctional linen product with both antioxidant and antibacterial properties was obtained with an acceptable level of durability in terms of end user requirements.