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Textile Microbiology and Retting

	Textile Microbiology and Retting There are two principal aspects of the microbiology of textiles. One is -the use of microorganisms in preparing fibers such as flax and hemp. The other is deterioration of textiles, including cordage and ropes, and the preservation of such materials.
Retting The long fibers of flax, hemp, jute, and sisal are loosened from the plant stem by felting. The fiber bundles are just held within the outer layers of cells and outside the central pithy and woody layers by an intercellular cement of pectin. A number of bacteria and moulds can digest pectin. This permits the fiber bundles to be separated mechanically from the stems and from each other. Fibers can then be collected and woven into linen, or used in the form of ropes and packaging.
There are two basic process of retting. In the first process the flax or hemp is spread out on the ground, particularly under somewhat acid conditions such as would occur in peat moss, and is exposed to the air and rain for some period, Under these conditions the moulds and aerobic bacteria which hydrolyse pectin can grow. Retting is achieved, but the process is somewhat uncertain and subject to continuous temperature and moisture changes. Frequently certain organisms are observed that produce pigment or some growth on cellulose fibers, and thus colour or weaken it. The fibers obtained by this method are frequently of poor quality, and the yield is small.
In the second process the plant stalks are immersed in flowing stream, ponds, or tanks of water and are allowed to remain there for several days. During this period the anaerobic organisms especially Clostridium felsineum digest the pectin. The process, when properly operated, yields a nicer fiber which can be made into linen of quite good quality.
	Jute and sisal are tropical plants which are subjected to retting, generally under higher temperature condition and under water in bays and lagoons or, sometimes in following streams. The product resulting from these operations is relatively crude but relatively cheap. Much of the rope fibers and packaging cloth used through out the world originates from these plants.

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