INTRODUCTION
One of the oldest applications of enzymes is in the processing of leather hides and skins. Hides and skins naturally have fats and proteins embedded in their fibers and these must somehow be removed before further leather processing can occur. Enzymes such as proteases and lipases in addition to chemicals offer an effective method with which to do so. The integration of enzymes into the leather industry has offered many benefits to those that use them and can be combined with other methods to reduce emissions as well as increase productivity.
China, Italy and India are the largest producers of leather in the industry and therefore consume a lot of enzymes in the process. Enzymes for the leather industry are created by the fermentation of microbial organisms. Below is a list of enzymes used in various steps of leather production and the microorganisms that they are obtained from. Microorganisms are the ideal source of enzymes since they can be made and distributed rapidly and with relative ease.
Introduction video to the leather production process. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vbTCeYwt_g
China, Italy and India are the largest producers of leather in the industry and therefore consume a lot of enzymes in the process. Enzymes for the leather industry are created by the fermentation of microbial organisms. Below is a list of enzymes used in various steps of leather production and the microorganisms that they are obtained from. Microorganisms are the ideal source of enzymes since they can be made and distributed rapidly and with relative ease.
Introduction video to the leather production process. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vbTCeYwt_g