Scientists have discovered an enzyme made by bacteria living on seaweed that can be used to help wash laundry at lower temperatures.
The research team from Newcastle University were looking into cleaning the hulls of ships when they discovered that the seaweed kept itself clean using an enzyme called phosphodiesterase.
Working with Procter & Gamble, they found that by adding these enzymes into detergent, it would do a thorough wash but at a lower temperature. Another added bonus of washing at cooler temperatures is that it could also reduce the amount of microfibres that enter the water supply.
