Enzyme mediated cleaning of complex residual soils in commercial and industrial settings

Abstract: Soil accumulation on surfaces, if not properly mitigated, can lead to a myriad of undesirable consequences. These range from psychological impacts - such as personal discomfort in soiled clothing - to significant operational disruptions, including reduced efficiency in manufacturing processes and compromised hygiene standards in medical device sterilization. The heterogeneous nature of soils, which can encompass an array of known and unknown components, further complicates the cleaning process.

Understanding the composition of soils is paramount to devising effective cleaning strategies. This presentation underscores the pivotal role of enzymatic solutions in targeting and breaking down complex organic soils. We show that soil-specific enzymes can significantly enhance soil removal efficacy. Moreover, we reveal that a blend of multiple enzymes offers superior performance in tackling the compositions often encountered in real-world scenarios.

Our findings advocate for a paradigm shift in cleaning practices, emphasizing a tailored approach based on soil composition analysis. By leveraging enzyme technology, industries can achieve a higher standard of cleanliness, thereby mitigating psychological discomfort, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring the sterility of critical medical devices when downstream technologies are used. Ultimately, our research shows that "clean" is a nuanced concept, and a deeper understanding of soil characteristics is essential for optimizing cleaning processes.