Progress and recent trends in biotechnological methods for leather processing.
Global environmental regulations are changing the leather-processing industry. Pre-tanning and tanning processes contribute 80-90% of the total pollution in the industry and generate noxious gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, as well as solid wastes, such as lime and chrome sludge. The use of enzyme-based products is currently being explored for many areas of leather making. Furthermore, enzymes are gaining increasing importance in the de-hairing process, eliminating the need for sodium sulfide. This review discusses emerging novel biotechnological methods used in leather processing. One significant achievement is the development of a bioprocess-based de-hairing and fiber-opening methodology to reduce toxic waste.
Thanikaivelan
Palanisamy
P
Centre for Leather Apparels and Accessories Development, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India.
Rao
Jonnalagadda R
JR
Nair
Balachandran U
BU
Ramasami
Thirumalachari
T
D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D002417:Cattle; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D006041:Goats; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012756:Sheep; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D013633:Tanning / Q000379:methods*
D004798:Enzymes; D013440:Sulfides; C033479:sodium sulfide