Microbial biodeterioration of leather and its control: a review

Hides and leather can be damaged by bacteria, which are mainly responsible for the decomposition of untanned proteins (in raw hides and during soaking), and fungi, which thrive on tanned leathers containing carbohydrates, fats and proteins. A number of fungicides, including 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, in the wide range of biocidal products now available for preventing defects of biological origin in hides and leathers have been compared in efficacy tests and their penetration, absorption and distribution in tanned leather has been investigated. For protection against moulds it is possible to use a single active ingredient, but it is recommended that a combination of fungicides is used to improve performance by synergistic effects and by broadening the activity spectrum against moulds.