Introducing enzymes into PET textiles

The University of Ghent, Belgium, will coordinate an effort partly funded by the European Union to introduce enzymes into PET textiles to give them special medical properties. The BIOTIC project (biotechnical functionalization of biopolymeric textile surfaces) will modify PET materials by altering the surface and incorporating biocatalysts into the fibers. The enzymes will catalyze reactions, such as rebuilding tissue, allowing textiles to provide both protection and healing properties.