Proteolytic Depilation of Lambskins: A Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy in Bioprocess Engineering at Massey University, New Zealand

The thesis investigated the challenges of enzymatic depilation of lambskins, a process with potential advantages over conventional methods in the New Zealand meat industry. The study identified variability in depilation across different skin regions, leading to either overexposure and damage or underexposure and incomplete depilation. Experimental work revealed correlations between depilation and skin properties like thickness, grease content, and follicle density. Techniques such as immunohistology and atomic force microscopy showed that damage was likely due to the removal of minor collagen components, particularly collagen VI. The research concluded that a successful enzyme depilation system requires a broad-spectrum protease that does not affect collagen VI, and a method to select such proteases was developed. This knowledge could lead to the development of non-damaging enzyme depilatory reagents, potentially transforming the industry.