Mechanism of interaction between cellulase action and applied shear force,an hypothesis

An overview is given of what is known in literature concerning the structur e of both cellulose and cellulase enzymes and the enzymatic degradation of cellulose. Based on this knowledge, a hypothesis is formulated about the re lation between cellulase performance and required applied shear force on th e fabric. In short, the specific cellulase activity is highest on the flexi ble amorphous cellulose when compared to that with the more rigid crystalli ne cellulose. When applying cellulase activity on damaged, fuzzy fabric, th e connection point of cellulose material oriented away from the fiber axis, which is partly amorphous due to the damage, will be turned again to a mor e rigid, mainly crystalline structure. Due to this shift, this connection p oint will function as a primary point of application for shear force, resul ting in removal of the fuzz. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.