Synthetic fibres form an important part of the textile industry, the production of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) alone surpassing that of cotton. A disadvantage of synthetic fibres is their low hydrophilicity. Polyester fibres are particularly hydrophobic. This affects the processability and functionalisation of the fibres. A novel and promising alternative is the use of enzymes in surface modification of synthetic fibres. Synthetic materials have generally been considered resistant to biological degradation; recent developments at different research groups demonstrate that enzymes are very well capable of hydrolysing synthetic materials. Cutinase has been reported to increase hydrophilicity of polyesters by hydrolysis of ester bonds. Hydrolysis of PET by cutinase is via an endo-mechanism, resulting in new carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in the polymer surface. NaOH hydrolysis is via hydrolysis of end groups which results in little or no increase of new carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in the polymer surface. The enzymatic process therefore facilitates functionalisation processes. Enzymes will not penetrate into the material, and therefore not affect the favourable bulk properties contrary to chemical treatments. Manipulation of surface characteristics of textile materials is of fundamental importance in the production of advanced functional textiles. While a lot of research focuses on chemical modification or structuring of the surfaces, the introduction of functionalities using enzymes is a relatively unexplored and modern scientific area. The advantage of biotechnology or more specifically enzymes over other technologies is their high specificity towards a certain reaction or substrate. The general aim of our research is to functionalise (bio)polymeric textile materials using modern biotechnology. Enzymatic surface modification of textile materials involves processing of fibres or (bio)polymers to modify the physical chemical surface properties or the introduction of functional groups on the surface. The research presented focuses on specific enzymatic surface modification of PET to obtain functional structured surfaces. Control of enzymatic action at correct time and length scales is a prerequisite to achieve the desired functionalities. The research will result in new, specific knowledge and technologies to create biotechnologically modified textile materials with unique properties. The research contributes to bio-based economy through the development of novel processes for textiles exhibiting the desired functionalities and through development of novel enzyme technology for structuring and functionalisation of surfaces. Acknowledgements: This work is supported by a grant of the European Commission, FP7, Grant Agreement Number PIEF-GA-2008-219665
