Crude proteolytic enzyme from Bacillus halodurans BCRC 910501 and its application in leather processing

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Leather Processing

Background:

• Proteolytic enzymes are crucial industrial biocatalysts.
• Environmental concerns drive research into enzyme applications beyond traditional leather bating.
• Exploring alternative enzyme uses in leather processing like soaking is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce and characterize a protease from Bacillus halodurans BCRC 910501.
• To evaluate the enzyme's efficacy in the soaking of salted hides.
• To assess the impact of enzymatic soaking on hide components and final leather quality.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of B. halodurans BCRC 910501 for protease production.
• Assay of enzyme activity (caseinolytic and keratinolytic).
• Application of crude enzyme in salted hide soaking experiments and analysis of hide properties.

Main Results:

• The produced enzyme exhibited higher caseinolytic than keratinolytic activity.
• Enzymatic soaking significantly improved hide rehydration, non-collagenous protein removal, and salt extraction.
• Collagenous proteins were more affected by enzymatic treatment, but wet-blue leather properties remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions:

• The B. halodurans protease is effective for salted hide soaking.
• Enzymatic soaking offers potential for reduced processing time and steps in leather manufacturing.
• Further research could optimize enzyme application for enhanced leather processing efficiency.