Before stone-washed cotton becomes a fashion statement these days, it is a vat of woven cellulose fibers being eaten away by enzymes. More and more, enzymes are being used in the finishingof cotton textiles, according to Haig Zeronian, a professor in the textiles and clothing division at UC Davis. Enzymes can be a less destructive way of achieving a worn appearance. They can also finish a fabric with a smoother, silkier texture. Much of the research to date has been directed at understanding the nature of various enzymes. Zeronian and his associates are focusing more on the microstructure of the materials upon which the enzymes act. Zeronian and postdoctoral student Giesela Buschle-Diller recently studied the reaction of untreated and mercerized cotton to enzymatic treatments of varying durations. Enzymes predominantly work on the surface of the fiber. However, mercerizing cotton increases the fibers' accessibility. After 6 hours of enzyme hydrolysis, regular cotton samples lost 4 percent of their weight. Mercerized samples showed up to three times as much weight loss for the same time periods. Tests in a Weatherometer, which exposed test samples to simulated sunlight, showed no difference in the rate of photodegradation among the types of enzyme-treated cotton. Buschle-Diller will present the paper Monday, Aug. 24, 10:40 a.m., Ramada Techworld, West Salon A, Renaissance Ballroom Level.