Degreasing
Role of enzymes in leather production
Enzymes like proteases, lipases and amylases have important role in soaking, dehairing, degreasing and bating processes of leather manufacturing. Proteases are the most commonly used enzymes in leather production. The criteria for selection of best protease is that it should be non- collagenolytic and non- keratinolytic in nature. It has property to hydrolyze casein,elastin,albumin and globuline like proteins.
Lipases are used in degreasing process to hydrolyze fat materials of skin/ hide.
Amylases are also used in bating of animal skins/ hide.
Protease based enzymes, when used in soaking hydrolyze all the non structured proteins which are not essential for leather making.
Elastin, which is a non structured protein is the binding material between the upper grain layer and the lower collagenetic substrate which is the actual leather. Complete removal of the elastin will result in double layer of grain and if not removed properly, the elastin when subjected to liming will get immuned and hardened resulting in a loose grain.
Leather production processes:
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