Enzymes in

Detergent/Soap
Catalysts In the field
Many enzymes are used in laundry detergents, each having its own unique set of
characteristics that contribute to a significant increase in cleaning power. They
all battle stains and clean clothing in an environmentally responsible manner

Cellulases form a glycosidic bond that targets cotton fibre or blends, as well as
the cellulose component of synthetic fibres to soften and brighten cotton clothing.
Lipase catalyzes the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids breaking down
oily stains on clothes and remove them from the garment.
Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids useful in the removal of protein-
based soils and, the revival of clothing that has been damaged by beverages.
Amylase catalyzes molecule-by-molecule eliminating starchy stains like egg and
gravy stains from the surface of the clothes.

The History of the Methodology

Before detergent was invented, people had to use whatever substance they could come up with,
to keep their clothes clean.
The first sign of soap-related products dates back to 2800 BC in ancient Babylonian times.
A substance that resembled soap was found in clay cylinders. Marked on the cylinders was their
method of making soap, “fats boiled with ashes.”
By applying fats and ash on clothing, stains could be removed.
In 1861, Ernest Solvay identified a chemical process where adding ammonia to sodium chloride
would generate a greater amount of sodium carbonate.
Otto Rohm invented laundry detergent by studying the use of enzymes in technical applications.
In the 1930s an engineer named Robert Duncan discovered surfactants, which is a two-part
molecule that both draws oil and grease into a water solution and allows water-soluble dirt to
be washed off fabric
Tide became the first laundry detergent to deep clean clothes without ruining their colours.
In 1960 laundry powders and specifically, stain-removing products were invented.
In 1970 liquid laundry, and fabric softener detergent were introduced
Liquid was the most efficient detergent because it was able to dissolve in water easily

Environmental Impact
There are still non-reusable detergent containers which when tossed
causes landfills to fill and creating more of a pollution issue
Laundry with phosphate can cause problems when it comes in
contact with water
When the nitrogen in these detergents interacts with the
phosphorus in the water, substances are created that
encourage algae development in freshwater.
This depletes the oxygen in a body of water as time passes,
destroying the ecology.
Surfactant containing detergent is highly toxic to aquatic life
They tear down the layer that protects fish from parasites and
germs by breaking it down

Health Benefits Health Risks

Detergent cleans laundry
more efficiently than soaps or
other cleaning substances
Cleans by getting rid of
bacteria that fabric collects
throughout the day
Keeps you smelling and
feeling clean (hygiene)
If ingested it can cause breathing, stomach and eye problems through
poisoning which can make you very ill
1, 4-Dioxane is used in detergent
Exposure can cause headaches, anorexia, irritation to the lungs
and throat skin, etc.
This chemical is known to cause liver and kidney damage long
term which can be fatal
These chemicals stay on your clothes and can penetrate the skin
If your clothes get wet while in use (ex: sweat) the body will
absorb the chemical
Potentially there could be bleach, oxygen or chloride in your detergent
which can lead to other problems like skin burns, cancer, nerve and
tissue damage

The First Enzymes Used in the Private Industry

The first type of enzyme used in the detergent industry was trypsin, which can be found in pig
pancreas.
Otto Rohm discovered that trypsin (used as the protease), had a deficient activity in detergents.
Novo released a more alkali-and builder stable bacterial protease called Alcalase, that only really
useful for getting blood out of laundry. Bacterial proteases were the sole group of enzymes of
significant economic relevance for over two decades.
In the 1980s, the usage of cellulases, amylases, and lipases as detergent additives began to gain
traction and continued to expand during the 1990s.
Proteases are able to break down proteins therefore removing their stain
Amylases are able to degrade starches
Lipases degrade fats and grease
Cellulases cleaned the material while protecting or even improving the look of laundry made
with cotton.

Is this done in Canada? Where else?

YES!! there are
424 With exports of $5.8 billion in 2020, European
Soap and cleaning business in Canada (2020) providers earned the highest income stream from

Manufacturing revenue increased by exporting soap among continents.

7.2 percent to $1.8 billion in 2018, up
from $1.7 billion in 2017.
Detergent enzymes are currently one of the
most useful components in granular and
liquid detergents, stain removers, and industrial
cleaning solutions. The "Non-Bio" detergents
marketed in the UK are significant outliers.)
Asian exporters came in second to European
suppliers, with 1.38 billion international soap
shipments originating from North America.
The most substantial annual growth occurs in
Bangladesh, Ethiopia, United States, and
China.