At the moment, the textile industry is seeing a very fast expansion. The manufacturing process has seen significant improvements in comparison to the past; yet these processes are the primary contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases, the pollution of microplastics and the contamination of hazardous water. The good news is that contemporary science has conducted study and discovered that there are potential methods to convert textile fiber that are within reach and that promote a circular materials economy that is sustainable. Bioengineering of fibers at the nano, micro and macroscales offers a number of potential options for enhancing the effectiveness of textile materials in terms of both their environmental impact and their technical performance. Technologies based on biological processes, such as enzyme engineering, in order to prevent the pollution of our environment. In conclusion, it will be said that biotechnology not only provides us with a healthy environment but also with the ability to produce bio textiles in a sustainable manner.
The shift from a linear economy that is harmful to the environment to a circular economy will be made easier by the use of bio-fabrication techniques, which will play a significant part in the process. It relies on natural cycles, using techniques that are environmentally sound in order to limit and prevent the accumulation of materials. Technologies based on biotechnology such as enzyme engineering and recombinant DNA technology have the potential to be used in the textile industry. Our contamination of the environment is reduced as a result. The finishing procedure is carried out with the assistance of these technologies. In each and every area of the textile industry, microbial enzymes have the potential to take part in the processes of resizing, bleaching, scouring, bio-finishing, and the treatment of wastewater. When it comes to the common applications of textile fibers like nylon, elastane is not a renewable resource and cannot be recycled. These substances have a negative effect on the environment that we live in. Cotton and other natural fibers as well as polylactic acid which is a degradable polymer fiber are examples of renewable materials. The existing textile sector is responsible for an estimated ten percent of the world’s carbon emissions and twenty percent of the world’s waste water. Consequently, the rate of global warming is progressively increasing and water is becoming more contaminated. Additionally, biodegradable items do not pose a threat to the microorganisms that are present in the environment. For instance, collagen fibers may be created in genetically engineered microorganisms in order to bio-fabricate leather. Additionally, the exploitation of fast renewing biopolymers, such as fungal mycelium, can be utilized in order to make alternative leathers and textiles. Numerous biofabrication methods provide substantial prospects for the manufacture of biotextiles while minimizing the amount of waste generated during the manufacturing process. In addition to this, it has an effect on the potential for biofabrication processes and biomaterial products to mitigate the effects of climate change. In addition to reducing costs, combined treatment with many enzymes in the same reactor will save time, water, and other components, and it will also create a clean environment for industrial use.
Use in practice:
The use of protein engineering in orthopaedic and surgical applications is exceptionally significant. With the use of biotechnology, it is possible to create naturally colored textiles and waterproof garments without having an adverse effect on the environment due to the use of harmful dyes, finishing agents, and feedstocks derived from petrochemicals. A circular textile economy may be achieved via the use of synthetic biology and biofabrication. The production of the product is accomplished via the use of bio-textiles, which eliminates the need of hazardous dyes, finishing agents, and petrochemical feedstock.
Among the qualities that it has for medical devices are:
- Manufactured using a procedure that has been verified.
- Strong in both radial and tensile directions to a high degree.
- To assist in surgical procedures, it is very flexible and may be properly incorporated into the body.
- This fabric is very light and thin.
Naturally colored textiles are produced under the ‘Coral’ brand. Spider silk has the ability to carry ampullated spidroin and it does so by producing Kevlar β-casein, which is also present in cow’s milk. Raincoats are made with the assistance of β-casein. The vast majority of modified protein products have been developed for use in the pharmaceutical or biomedical industries. There are several applications of enzymes in the textile industry, which helps to reduce the amount of pollutants and water waste, as well as save money and time. The manufacturing of a red “dye” in bacterial nanocellulose fibers in the form of heterologous expressed RFP and the synthetic fabrication of protein fibers with the tenacity and flexibility of spider silk have both been made possible as a result of these nanoscale engineering efforts. Additionally, it eliminates pectin and other impurities from the main cell wall of the cotton fibers without causing any degradation of the cellulose, and as a result, it does not have any adverse impact on the strength attributes of the fabric. In order to cultivate cotton, plant cells have been altered, and yeast strains have been produced in order to ferment collagen and spider silk. In order to enhance the synthesis of bacterial nanocellulose, Gluconacetobacter has been modified via genetic engineering.
Advantages
- One of the most effective ways to lessen the impact of pollution on the environment is to use bio-based technologies in the textile industry.
- It assures that the economy of the nation will continue to grow in a sustainable manner.
- If we employ enzymes rather than harmful chemicals, then enzymes will become the most promising instruments for the textile industry.
- Biotechnology is a boon to the development of excellent health, as well as to the reduction of costs, time, energy, and water use in the manufacturing sector.
- In order to get cleaner industrial goods, it is helpful.
- In the capacity of an effluent treatment plant (ETP), it works toward the establishment of a bio-based method.
- This process will assist in the production of environmentally friendly fabrics.
- In addition to this, it satisfies the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
Negative aspects
- The production of enzymes may be somewhat expensive.
- It is necessary to provide bacteria with the appropriate food.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the textile sector, the use of chemicals in the production process is quite prevalent, which poses a significant risk to the environment. There is hope that biotechnology will be able to remedy this issue. It is impossible to find a suitable replacement for bio-textiles in order to make the planet a pollution-free environment since textiles will continue to be lost for as long as the earth exists. Also contributing to the improvement of economic circumstances is the use of biotechnology in the textile industry. In conclusion, it shall be said that things that are biodegradable are a divine favor for human beings.
