Bio-reduction of Sulphur Dyes with Alkaline Pectinase

Sulphur dyes are invariably applied on cotton to produce deep shades at cheaper cost possessing all-round fastness properties except against chlorine. Being water insoluble, these dyes are reduced and solubilised with sodium sulphide at boil to develop affinity for cotton. Application of sulphide has generated global debate because of its eco-unfriendly technology of dyeing. In this work, attempts were made to substitute sodium sulphide with alkaline pectinase. Obtained results suggested the ability of the latter to cause effective reduction and solubilisation of sulphur dyes. Stability of reduction baths as well as colour fastness was also reported to be in line with those obtained using sodium sulphide.