Using Proteomics to Compare the Molecular Structures of Sulfide and Permeate-Depilated Sheepskins
February 2024
in “
Collagen and leather
”
TLDR The conclusion is that using bovine milk permeate to remove wool from sheepskins is eco-friendly and results in smoother, higher quality leather compared to traditional sulfide methods.
The study investigates an eco-friendly method using bovine milk permeate for depilating sheepskins, comparing it to traditional sulfide methods. Proteomic and biochemical analyses showed that permeate depilation preserves the collagen matrix and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) better, indicating a gentler process. Permeate-depilated skins retained more specific collagen types (IV, VI, VII, XII, XIV) and had a higher relative abundance of proteins, suggesting superior leather quality. Despite some collagen loss, the permeate method produced leather of equivalent or better quality without harmful chemicals, highlighting its potential as a viable, environmentally friendly alternative. Further research is needed to identify the specific enzymes involved and to scale up the process.
