Enzymology

Abstract

Enzymes have been part of the tradition of leathermaking probably for as long as the industry has existed: digestive materials have been exploited in the bating process for opening up pelt. However, an understanding of the nature of the active species is relatively recent, as is the nature of the enzyme-mediated reactions. The basis for the acceleration of reaction rate compared with the uncatalysed reaction is not completely understood, but useful models have been proposed, based on the lowering of the activation energy. Curious among the possible mechanisms is quantum tunnelling, where the activation barrier is bypassed by going through rather than over it. The modern leather industry has extended the range of reactions that can be assisted by enzyme catalysis to include most of the traditional steps in leather making. There is still potential for this biochemistry to be exploited, to target structures in skin more precisely and to develop useful new reactions.