Why Are The Enzymes In Washing Powders Not Destroyed By High Washing Temperatures?

Having washing powders that contain enzymes ~ the biological variety of washing powder ~ has only been possible in the last 25 years or so. Enzymes that degrade fatty spots and dirt in clothes that need washing usually work at physiological temperatures ~ somewhere around 37 degrees Celsius.

Research into washing powder development therefore concentrated on enzymes from bacteria that could survive much higher temperatures. These so-called heat loving bacteria are used to living at very high temperatures, some approaching boiling point, in their natural habitats in hot volcanic springs.

Heat loving bacteria have thermostable enzymes that are more resistant to other harsh conditions such as extremes of Ph and to the presence of organic solvents. Perfect for the washing machine!

The genes that code for thermostable enzymes were isolated from their host bacteria and genetically engineered into ordinary bacteria to ensure a big supply for commercial use. One example is the alkaline protease subtilisin, found in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis.

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