There are many universities, research institutes and enterprises
engaging in textile biotechnology in China. The earliest
plan to promote biotechnology research was initiated in the
beginning of the Seventh Five-Year Plan (1986–1990) when
the first comprehensive National Biotechnology Development
Policy Outline was issued (1990). Under this outline, a number
of high-profile technology programs were launched after the
mid 1980s. Some of the most significant programs included the
863 High-tech Plan, National Natural Science Fund, the Key
Technologies R&D Program, and others. In 2001 and 2003,
two projects focused on textile biotechnology (enzyme technology)
were financially supported by the 863 Plan. Some projects
focused on textile technology such as ramie retting, colored cotton
and spider silk, etc. were funded by the National Natural
Science Fund in the past few years. Additionally, some textile
biotechnology projects were funded by the Key Technologies
R&D Program, thereby enhancing the development of this new
research field.
In recent years, special attention has been paid to the application
of biotechnology in textile industries in China. As an
interdiscipline between natural science and engineering science,
textile biotechnology has much effect on China’s textile processing.
This paper summarizes current developments of textile
biotechnology and highlights those areas where biotechnology
might play an increasingly important role in China’s textile
industry as follows: (1) development of new types of textile
fibers and polymers used in textile industries; (2) application of
enzyme technology in textile processes; (3) treatment of textile
effluents with biotechnology.