Bacterial Consortia as a Sustainable Alternative to Jute Batching Oil (JBO) in Jute Yarn Manufacturing Process

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Published Mar 29, 2026
https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i1.453
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Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites

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Md. Rezaul Karim Rana
University of Dhaka
Rabeya Rabeya
University of Dhaka
Al Amin
University of Dhaka
Farzana Haque Shaon
University of Dhaka
Farhana Tasnim Chowdhury
University of Dhaka
Haseena Khan
University of Dhaka
Mohammad Riazul Islam
University of Dhaka

Abstract

Jute fiber used in the production of yarn is traditionally treated with a 2% emulsion of jute batching oil (JBO) to reduce stiffness and improve processability. However, due to the high cost and potential carcinogenic effects of JBO, there is a pressing need for alternative methods. This study investigates the use of a microbial consortium to achieve a cost-effective and eco-friendly reduction of JBO use in yarn production. A total of 51 bacterial strains were isolated from JBO-treated jute fiber at Janata Jute Mills, with 17 strains exhibiting significant growth in 2% JBO. After excluding duplicates, potential pathogens, and strains with endoglucanase activity, a final consortium of nine bacteria was established. The physical properties of jute fiber treated with this consortium alongside varying concentrations of JBO (1% and 2%) were analyzed over different incubation periods. Results indicated that treatment with 1% JBO and the bacterial consortium produced comparable effects on temperature and moisture regain to the control group (2% JBO). Notably, fibers treated with the consortium exhibited enhanced elasticity, showing a 46.6% increase in maximum pressure and 12.2% increase in extension at breakage compared to the control (2% JBO). Additionally, wastage during processing was reduced by 24.1% for breaker card processing in the treated group. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a rough surface morphology in the treated fibers, indicative of biofilm formation. This study suggests that employing microbial consortia with reduced JBO concentrations offers a promising alternative for enhancing fiber quality in jute yarn manufacturing while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

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Author Biographies

Md. Rezaul Karim Rana, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Rabeya Rabeya, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Al Amin, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Farzana Haque Shaon, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Farhana Tasnim Chowdhury, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Haseena Khan, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Mohammad Riazul Islam, University of Dhaka

Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

How to Cite
Rana, M. R. K., Rabeya, R., Amin, A., Shaon, F. H., Chowdhury, F. T., Khan, H., & Islam, M. R. (2026). Bacterial Consortia as a Sustainable Alternative to Jute Batching Oil (JBO) in Jute Yarn Manufacturing Process. Journal of Fibers and Polymer Composites, 5(1), 86–100. https://doi.org/10.55043/jfpc.v5i1.453

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