4. Conclusions
In this study, an ecofriendly dip method of enzymatic
dehairing of skins and hides was developed using a bacterial
protease avoiding the use of lime and sulfide. Comparative
studies were carried out with controls such as
conventional lime–sulfide and enzyme-assisted process
using a commercial enzyme. The process resulted in complete
removal of hair and epidermis with even and well
opened collagen fiber bundles in a shorter duration as substantiated
by histochemical and SEM studies. Analysis of
dyed crusts confirmed that the leathers produced by enzymatic
dehairing displayed better physicochemical proper-
ties. The developed process resulted in a significant
reduction of pollution parameters as well as toxicity. As such, no systematic study was carried out on the mechanism
of enzymatic dehairing using a bacterial protease
and this will be taken up elsewhere.