Influence of galactosidases on glycosaminoglycan removal Vis- à-Vis opening up of skin matrix to enable complete rehydration.

In this study, galactosidases have been employed for rehydration of preserved skins and hides to improve the process efficiency and minimize hazardous sodium sulfide. The purpose of rehydration is to ensure the skin is hydrated uniformly to facilitate subsequent physico-chemical processes of leather making. Improper rehydration leads to reduction in the quality and value of the leather. The efficacy of the enzymatic process was studied using histological images and scanning electron microscopic analysis. Pollution load changes and the extent of carbohydrate removal were also quantified. The study indicates possibility for substantial reduction in process duration and water input (up to 30%) during rehydration of preserved animal skins when galactosidases are used as rehydration aid without affecting the quality of the leather. Thus use of galactosidases in rehydration ensures uniform accelerated rehydration and provides significant environmental benefits to tanning industry, by reducing harmful substances in subsequent operations. PMID: 32025809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research