APPLICATION OF PROTEASE FROM BACILLUS CEREUS MCM B-326 AS A BATING AGENT IN LEATHER PROCESSING

Laboratory scale experiments were carried out to test the efficiency of the extracellular protease from Bacillus cereus MCM B-326; cattle dung and commercial bate powder (ComBate) as bating agents on delimed buffalo hide. Protease treated pelt was free from scud and pigments, clean and fine grain, white, smooth and silkier with loosen fat. Histological sections of bated pelts showed greater opening up of collagen fibers with Bacillus protease. The studies indicated potential importance of Bacillus protease as effective bating agent in leather processing.