Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

Proteases are hydrolytic enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. Produced by a number of microbial sources these enzymes may be categorized based upon their pH optima. Alkaline proteases are used widely in various industries, however, the most important application of these enzymes is in the leather industry whereby the enzymes are utilized in bating and dehairing processes. The use of these enzymes can significantly lower the need of toxic chemicals that are otherwise, utilized in the process. Therefore, proteases tend to increase the efficiency of the process without the production of any harmful chemicals.

Keywords: hydrolases, bating, dehairing, enzyme production, fermentation