Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Enzyme Formulations in the Unhairing Process of Goatskins

Abstract

Due to the high levels of pollution load produced in the leather industry, many studies are being conducted to replace most of the hazardous chemicals used. One of the options is to use enzymes which are biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly. Hides and skins contain many non-collagenous substances that require specific enzymes to remove. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different enzyme formulations in the unhairing process of goatskins. To achieve this, four types of enzymes were purchased from Jian Grace Industries which include amylase (100,000 U/g), protease (200,000 U/g), keratinase (200,000 U/g), and lipase (100,000 U/g). All possible combinations of one, two, three and four enzymes per formulation were prepared by mixing equal amounts per formulation. Parameters such as total solids, dissolved solids and protein content were determined on the affluent by standard procedures. In addition, the percentage weight gain, residual fat content and organoleptic test of the pelt were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical packages version 21. ANOVA and t-test was used to test the level of significance (p≤ 0.05). Although several formulations gave complete unhairing, a formulation of keratinase, protease, and lipase (KPL) was selected as the best formulation. This formulation gave a completely unhaired pelt with a residual fat content of 6.4%. The organoleptic tests of all the unhaired pelts had a rating of 7-9. In conclusion, application of more than one enzyme can be a better option in removing non-collagenous components and in the replacement of the use of sodium sulphide in unhairing process.