Practical application of the enzyme alpha-amylase in textile restoration

The article describes the experience of re-restoration of a silk banner of the early 19th century, where the alpha-amylase enzyme was successfully applied for removal the aged starch glue. During the previous restoration of the forties and fifties of the 20th century, the banner panels were duplicated on a large cotton tulle with starch glue. This method of duplication was very popular in the early-mid 20th century, many exhibits restored at that time now need to be re-restored, it makes the problem very rele-vant. Aged glue destroyed historical textiles so much that in the catalog data the state of preservation of the banners was characterized as corresponding to the state of preservation of archaeological textiles. It was impossible to remove it mechanically or with the help of water cleaning. The purification method using enzymes was chosen. Enzymes as catalysts can accelerate the chemical reaction of the decomposition of glue molecules, completely eliminating or minimizing the mechanical impact on the exhibit, remove glue from the fabric structure and even partially restore the elasticity of the fibers. The effectiveness and safety of the restoration was based on the results of the research work “Applying of enzymes for removing starch adhesives in museum textile restoration”. Particular attention is paid to the selection of an enzyme preparation, and a program for its testing was developed. The sequence of technological operations of the re-restoration of banners duplicated on tulle is described.