DEHAIRING OF CATTLE HIDE BY KERATINASE ENZYME OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS S125

Abstract

The keratinase enzyme produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus S125 for depilation of skin was
investigated. Dip method was adopted for enzymatic dehairing in which dried hide pieces were incubated
with freshly extracted enzyme. Chemical processing was also performed simultaneously. During
enzymatic dehairing the complete dehairing was observed after 12 hr at pH 9, while in chemical process,
dehairing took 12 hr, at a high pH 11. Scanning electron micrographs of the dehaired skins showed the
superiority in the quality of the enzymatically dehaired skin in comparison with the chemically treated one.
Collagenolytic activity of the enzyme was also tested, as collagen is an important component of the hide
and it was interesting to note that the keratinase produced by Aspergillus flavus S125 was highly
keratnolytic and while showing no collagenolytic activity. Dehairing at pH 9 was economical and
environment friendly as it avoids the dumping of toxic effluents into the environment. The results of the
present study revealed that keratinase isolated from Aspergillus flavus S125 has the potential to replace
chemical dehairing process, in addition to producing superior quality leather.