Recent Advances in Microbial Enzyme Applications for Sustainable Textile Processing and Waste Management

Microbial enzymes have revolutionised the textile industry by replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives, enhancing processes such as desizing, scouring, dyeing, finishing, and promoting water conservation while reducing pollution. This review explores the role of enzymes like amylases, pectinases, cellulases, catalases, laccases, and peroxidases in sustainable textile processing, focusing on their ability to mitigate environmental pollution from textile effluents. The review also examines the types and characteristics of hazardous textile waste and evaluates traditional waste treatment methods, highlighting sustainable alternatives such as microbial enzyme treatments for effluent treatment. Recent advancements in recombinant enzyme technology, including enzyme engineering and immobilisation techniques to enhance stability, reusability, and catalytic performance, are also explored. Additionally, the potential of extremozymes in textile processing and effluent treatment is explored, emphasising their stability under harsh industrial conditions. Strategies for reducing textile waste through enzyme-based processes are presented, focusing on principles of the circular economy. The review also addresses challenges such as scalability, cost, and process optimisation, while proposing potential solutions and outlining future directions for the widespread adoption of microbial enzymes in sustainable textile production and waste management. This review underscores the transformative potential of microbial enzymes in achieving greener textile manufacturing practices.