Immobilized fungal enzymes for food stain removal
This solution leverages immobilized fungal laccases to effectively remove natural pigment stains from textiles, enhancing enzyme stability and efficacy during washing. Ideal for tackling stains from berries, wine, and tea, this technology is in early-stage development.
Overview
This innovative solution utilizes immobilized fungal laccases for the effective removal of food stains caused by natural pigments such as anthocyanins, tannins, and carotenoids. By harnessing the oxidative power of laccases, which use oxygen as an electron acceptor, this technology breaks down complex pigment structures, facilitating their removal from textiles. The immobilization of these enzymes in a polymeric matrix enhances their stability and efficacy during standard washing conditions, making them a potent agent for tackling stains from common items like berries, red wine, and tea.
Technical specifications
- Enzymatic Action: Laccases oxidize phenolic compounds, generating radicals that break down pigment structures.
- Stability Enhancement: Enzymes are immobilized in a polymeric matrix, improving resistance to chemicals and physical conditions of washing.
- Versatile Application: Effective on a range of natural pigments, the solution involves selecting surfactants and thermostable enzymes for diverse stain types.
- Testing and Validation: The protocol will undergo extensive testing to optimize concentrations and exposure times on various textiles and under different conditions.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this solution is in the early stages of experimental proof of concept. Future validation will focus on optimizing the stain removal protocol and validating efficacy across different textiles and conditions.
About CITES (Sancor Seguros)
CITES (Centro de Innovación Tecnológica, Empresarial y Social) is a venture capital firm and venture builder focused on the development of deep tech and scientific-technological startups. Founded in 2013 and initially backed by the Sancor Seguros Group, the organization invests in companies from the formation stage through Series A, providing both capital and operational support. CITES operates with a multidisciplinary team and utilizes specialized infrastructure, including wet labs, fab labs, and co-working spaces, to assist founders in transforming disruptive scientific research into global businesses. Their portfolio spans various sectors such as biotechnology, agtech, artificial intelligence, med-tech, and sustainable industrial technologies.
By serving as a bridge between laboratory innovation and commercial application, CITES addresses the challenges of early-stage scientific entrepreneurship in Latin America. The firm is recognized for its role in fostering the regional deep tech ecosystem through investment funds and incubation programs designed to bridge the development gap for researchers and scientists. Through strategic partnerships and a commitment to social, environmental, and economic progress, CITES helps startups scale their solutions while promoting an inclusive and diverse innovation environment. Their operational model emphasizes applied knowledge, with a proven track record of managing numerous patents and building a diverse portfolio of companies focused on addressing modern global challenges.
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