Novel enzymatic applications to the leather industry with specific reference to microbial transglutaminase

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Clara, S., 2004. Novel enzymatic applications to the leather industry with specific reference to microbial transglutaminase. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

This project has investigated the potential of using the protein cross-linking enzyme, microbial transglutaminase (mTG), as a tanning agent, using native bovine hide as substrate. Treatment of bovine hide with mTG led to the covalent cross-linking of collagen molecules with approximately 4 nmol of cross-link per mg of collagen. However, mTG treatment did not affect the denaturation temperature of native bovine hide when used alone or together with other proteins or bifunctional diamines as cross- linking facilitators. In addition, mTG crosslinking of either chrome or glutaraldehyde tanned bovine hide led to a decrease in tensile strength. However, the resistance of cross-linked bated bovine hide towards either acid hydrolysis or proteolytic digestion with collagenase was significantly increased. Despite these beneficial changes, the use of mTG as an alternative tanning agent seems unlikely given that the most important aspects of a tanned hide are increased hydrothermal stability coupled with good tensile strength properties.

As a result, the focus of the research was amended to evaluate the potential of applying mTG during the dyeing operations, by cross-linking of dye-binding carrier peptides into tanned hides to facilitate an increase in potential dye-binding sites, Initial results at laboratory scale using both freeze dried bated bovine hide and chrome tanned crust leather with keratin hydrolysate as the carrier protein and mTG as the cross-linker indicated an increase of depth of shade of -1.5 DL units (grain side) when using acid dyes, the colour fastness was also improved. A full-scale industrial trial of this novel process was undertaken using a commercial process in LINK-project partner tanneries with wool on sheepskin. The outcome of the industrial trials indicated that treatment with mTG and keratin hydrolysate at full scale production resulted in leathers with a significantly deeper shade (approximately -1 DL unit) and the leathers were also faster to treatment with artificial perspiration solution. The treatment also improved the wool resistance to abrasion.

Item Type:

Thesis

Creators:

Clara, S.

Date:

2004

ISBN:

9781369316148

Identifiers: