Application of microassays for investigation of cellulase abrasive activity and backstaining

Model microassays were used for testing the denim-washing performance and i ndigo backstaining for Trichoderma reesei and Chrysosporium lucknowense com mercial cellulase preparations on a 'test-tube scale'. C. lucknowense prepa ration demonstrated a higher potential in the denim biostoning process. The performance of four purified cellulases (two endoglucanases and two cellob iohydrolases) from C. lucknowense on cotton textiles was assayed, and the k ey enzyme (endoglucanase with a molecular weight of 25 kDa) responsible for high abrasion effects on denim fabrics was found. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.