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.