APPLICATION OF A PROTEOLYTIC-ENZYME IN TANNERIES AS A DEPILATING AGENT

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) for the production of an alkaline prote ase was carried out using the microorganism Rhizopus oryzae. The enzym e is stable from pH 3-11 and at temperature up to 80 degrees C. During optimization of the different environmental parameters for the unhair ing of skins, 46% hydration, 83% humidity, pH 8.0 and incubation perio d of 2 hours were found to produce the best results. Then the physical properties of the skins unhaired by enzymatic treatment and the chemi cal treatment were compared, the former was found to give better quali ty leather.