Abstract: The present invention is a process for the manufacture of gelatin which includes providing a collagen containing material and demineralizing the collagen containing material to produce ossein. An enzyme solution containing protease at a concentration of at least 10 ppb is added to the ossein for a time sufficient to solubilize the ossein to produce a solution containing the gelatin at a weight percent of from 0.5 to 6 and at a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention is a gelatin composed of a high molecular weight fraction (>250,000) of from 0 to 25 wt %, a beta fraction (150,000-250,000) of from 0 to 20 wt % and an alpha fraction (50,000-150,000) of from 15 to 55 wt %. The gelatin has a Gel strength of from 150 to 350 g Bloom and a concentration of protease of greater than 10 ppb and an absorbance of at least 0.069 at 420 nm. The present invention also is a process for the manufacture of photographic gelatin. The process begins by liquefying or slurrying the residual ossein. Protease is added to the gelatin solution or ossein slurry to a concentration of at least 10 ppb to form a mixture. The mixture is reacted for a time sufficient to achieve a viscosity of less than 9 cps (6.16% gel concentration at 104.degree. F.) and the protease is inactivated. The mixture is clarified to form a gelatin solution wherein the gelatin is of high quality.

Abstract: The present invention describes a gelatin having a high molecular weight fraction (>250,000 Daltons) of from 0 to 25 wt %, a beta fraction (150,000-250,000 Daltons) of from 0 to 20 wt % and an alpha fraction (50,000-150,000 Daltons) of from 15 to 55 wt %. The gelatin has a gel strength of from 200 to 400, an absorbance a 420 nm of from 0 to 0.068 and a concentration of protease of greater than 10 ppb.