Characterization and evaluation of a fungal enzymatic pool with unhairing activity

GALARZA, B.; GARRO, M.L.; MARTEGANI, J.; HOURS, R.A.

Novo Hamburgo

Congreso; XXXIII IULTCS Congress; 2015

International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies

The use of enzymes in the leather industry in beamhouse area to replace sulphide partially, can reduce in almost 50% the SH2 emission. In this enzyme treatment the proteolysis needs to be controlled to prevent the extension of its activity to collagen. Collagen must keep its optimal conditions for tannage process and to give high quality leather. In this sense it is necessary to characterize the enzyme from the physicochemical point of view and to study the morphological changes produced in bovine skin to controle its action. An enzymatic pool of geophilic strain Trichophyton ajelloi cultured in solid media was characterized. Azocaseinolytic and keratinolytic activity was determined under different conditions. Enzymatic pool showed tolerance to high T°, optimal pH 9 in both susbstrates, partial inhibition in concentrations 0,1M, 0,01M and 0,001 M from metalics salts (Cl2Ca, Cl2Ba, EDTA, ClK, SO4Cu), activation by NaCl, reducers agent as Na2SO3, Na2S, L-cysteinchloridrate and specifically thioglycolic acid and commercial anionics and no-ionics surfactants (SDS, isográs AN, triton, baymol, azymol). Inactivation exerted by PMSF showed a serin-protease as a component of pool (MEROPS system). When the enzymatic pool was applied during 24-48 h under optimal conditions on bovine skin pieces, depilatory effect was observed. The changes in the skin morphology were observed by SEM, after fixation in formaldehyde and dehydratation with alcohol as part of a tentative protocol for bovines skin analysis by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy).