Enzymes

Enzymes are a particular group of aqueous cleaners. Enzymes are of biological origin and are proteins with a specific chemical function. The important quality of enzymes as cleaning agents is their ability to specifically attack and degrade organic soil by catalyzing its conversion to smaller solvable entities. Enzymes are usually mixed with warm water and can be used in any process that uses aqueous or semi-aqueous cleaners. Because of their biological origin, their function may be limited to a specific temperature range and uses of most enzyme cleaners are usually limited to unheated surfaces. However, new generation enzyme cleaners are expected to have broader application, being developed from more thermophilic (heat-loving) or psychrophilic (cold-loving) life forms.

Enzyme-based detergents, which contain enzymes such as amylases and other carbohydrate-degrading enzymes, proteases, and lipases, are finding acceptance in specialized food industry applications. The primary advantages of enzyme detergents are that they often require less energy input (less hot water in cleaning) and are more environmentally friendly. After use, if they have not been contaminated with hazardous products, they can be disposed directly in the sewer system.

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