Application of an alkaline protease in leather processing: an ecofriendly approach

Proteolytic enzyme isolated from Aspergillus tamarii prepared by solid state fermentation was studied for dehairing of goat skins in the tannery. The stability of the enzyme for dehairing was optimized at different environmental parameters. Unhairing of goat skins could be obtained at pH 9–11 and temperatures 30–37°C with enzyme concentration of 1% w/v and incubation periods of 18–24 h. The physical properties of the experimental leathers in comparison with the control sets gave better results with respect to tensile strength and elongation at break.