NEW ECO-FRIENDLY AND CLEAN METHOD OF PROCESSING HIDES AND FISH SKINS INTO LEATHER USING ALKALINE PROTEASE ENZYME

摘要

The present invention relates to an eco-friendly bio-processing method for the processing of hides and fish skin from Nile Perch (Lates niloticus)) into leather, comprising mainly enzymatic treatment of the hide or skin with crude alkaline proteases enzyme in the pretanning steps. This method produces fish leather with moire patterns unique to fish skin created through the descaling process, which in turn provide beauty totally different from that of general leather. According to this invention, the method for dehairing of hides or skins and descaling fish skin has been greatly simplified, pollution impact on the environment reduced in a maximum way and at the same time does not cause damage to grain. Moreover, the valuable hair and scales removed during dehairing or descaling process are readily recovered from the enzyme liquor while still in good condition suitable for further use. The final leather product exhibit better qualities such as softness, toughness and pliability. This invention completely eliminates use of sodium sulfide and lime in dehairing as well as greatly reducing the pungent smell which is the characteristic smell of tanneries across the world.