The Use of Enzymes in the Bio-processing of Agave Americana and Agave Sisalana Fibres in Swaziland
Abstract
141 words
This research was done in different agro-ecological zones in
Swaziland where there are women and men Agave fibre
decorticators and weavers. Current methods used to extract
fibre from Agave spp. tend to pollute the environment since
they use reagents that are not clean. The purpose of the study
was to explore the use of enzymes as an alternative method
for extraction, cleaning and softening of Agave sisalana and
Agave americana fibres from the plants’ leaves in order to
obtain environmentally friendly products. This study which has
just began, will assess the current status of sisal fibre processing
in making products and evaluate the use of natural dyes.
Preliminary results revealed that fibres obtained from sisal are
not soft enough to be used in several products. This therefore
calls for studies on resin application on the rough fibres to
improve their texture.
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