Microbial detergent compatible lipases

Most of the companies are not currently manufacturing the detergents alone; they are producing enzyme-based detergents. More than 50% of the detergents produced in the developed countries presently contain enzymes to improve the detergency by removing tough stains. The role of a detergent lipase is to digest the lipidic molecules from the soiled substrates. Most of the chemical detergent ingredients are hazardous to human beings and cause pollution to the environment. The use of alkaline lipase in detergent formulations can reduce or substitute the use of these harmful ingredients in higher amounts. The detergent lipases active at ambient temperature are now preferred as the quality of the cleaned fabric is maintained and energy saved. Review papers on the production, purification, characterization and application of lipases in various industries are available, but no specific review on the microbial alkaline lipases or detergent compatible lipases. In the present review, screening, production and properties of detergent compatible lipases are reported with emphasis on the stability and compatibility of alkaline lipases in detergent and detergent constituents and the methods for examination of oil stain removal.