# The Biodegradation of Acrylic-Coated Woven Fabrics by Gordonia alkanivorans S7: A Novel Approach for Sustainable Textile Waste Management

## TL;DR

This paper explores using bacteria to break down acrylic coatings on synthetic fabrics, offering a sustainable way to manage textile waste.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of Gordonia alkanivorans S7 for biodegrading acrylic-coated textiles, a novel approach for recycling synthetic fibers.

## Key findings

- Biodegradation reduced the mass of acrylic-coated fabric by up to 7 wt%.
- FTIR analysis confirmed the removal of acrylic resin from the fabric.
- The process showed increased emulsifying and esterase activities over 72 hours.

## Abstract

The increasing environmental issue related to textile waste, especially synthetic fibers treated with acrylic resins, demands the creation of sustainable recycling techniques. Biotechnological methods, such as microbial degradation, present a viable solution for the elimination of these coatings and the recovery of important fibers. This study investigates the potential of a biotechnological approach for the removal of acrylic resins from coated woven textile wastes. The biodegradation process of coated woven fabric after the pretreatment at a high temperature (121 °C) or 6% H2O2 was performed using the hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strain Gordonia alkanivorans S7. Over a 72 h biodegradation period, an increase in emulsifying and esterase activities was observed. A reduction mass of the coated textile waste by up to 7 wt% was achieved, and the elimination of acrylic resin was confirmed through FTIR analysis. The findings indicate the usefulness of the biotechnological method in eliminating acrylic resin from textile waste, presenting a viable strategy for polyester fiber recovery and substantially mitigating its environmental impact.