The first biological washing powder was manufactured as long as 1913 using an extract from the pancreas which contained trypsin.This had very limited success in the alkaline liquids produced by the washing soda conatining it.Since then the detergent industry has become the largest single outlet for industrial enzymes.

Proteases remove protein stains such as blood, grass, egg and human sweat ; lipases digest oily and fatty stains; amylases remove residues of starch substances. Some washing powders also contain a cellulase complex which modifies the fluffy microfibrils which develope when cotton and cotton-mix garments have been washed several times.This has the effect of brightening the colours and softening the fabric as well as removing some dirt particles.

Serving so many purposes, the biological washing powders are proving to be very useful and steadily taking over the charge!