Enzyme technology applications in leather processing

Abstract

The emphasis on the use of enzymes has come about because of the unique properties of the enzymes. The most important properties are the catalysis of chemical reactions at high rate under mild environmental conditions of pH, temperature and pressure, specificity of reactions, minimal side reactions, simple operations, non toxic nature and non polluting effluent generations. The leather industry world over is coming under pressure from environmental regulations to comply with the pollution and discharge legislation. The current activity in the area of leather processing is shifting towards the design and utilization of cleaner and softer technology like enzymatically enhanced processes. The enzymes are successfully employed for the better quality leather production with less pollution impact and also for the treatment of waste discharged from the industry. The leather processing from the raw skins to the finished products required the various steps like curing, soaking, liming, dehairing, bating, pickling, degreasing and tanning. The various processing principles have been discussed in brief along with application of suitable enzymes, their properties and sources. It showed that leather industries have enormous potential for the wide range of applications of several industrial enzymes.