Abstract: The present invention relates to an extracellular enzyme protease obtained by growing the culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCM B-327 isolated from vermiculture pit soil and deposited in MTCC, IMTECH, Chandigarh with designation MTCC 5270, in production medium of pH 7.0; containing soybean meal and tryptone as raw materials, at 30° C. for 72 h. The organism was also able to produce protease using different agricultural products/byproducts as protein sources. The partially purified non-collagenolytic, calcium independent protease with molecular weight 60 kDa has activity in pH range of 6.0-11.0 and temperature range of 25-65° C.; stability in pH range of 6.0-10.0 and temperature 25-45° C. The protease activity was retained for 8 months when stored at ambient temperature. Ammonium sulphate precipitated enzyme was able to completely dehair animal skins and hides without chemicals like lime, sodium sulphide and calcium.

Abstract: A process of combination tannage is disclosed whereby Zirconium salt is complexed with THP salt to produce wet pink leather without using any conventional dye. The resulting leathers exhibit a shrinkage temperature of more than 100° C., and other properties comparable to those of conventionally processed leathers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium and a process for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides novel nano sized particles of cerium sulfide as well as a novel process for the preparation of nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium by the bioreduction of cerium sulfate or cerium acetate, without resorting to chemical methods. A bioprocess is disclosed to treat trivalent Cerium salt with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under controlled conditions to obtain a biomass, which is subjected to staggered heating upto a temperature of 600-1500° C. The sulfide of Cerium is finally separated for application in pigment industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium and a process for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides novel nano sized particles of cerium sulfide as well as a novel process for the preparation of nano sized sulfide compounds of cerium by the bioreduction of cerium sulfate or cerium acetate, without resorting to chemical methods. A bioprocess is disclosed to treat trivalent Cerium salt with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) under controlled conditions to obtain a biomass, which is subjected to staggered heating up to a temperature of 600-1500° C. The sulfide of Cerium is finally separated for application in pigment industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for simultaneous recovery of chromium and iron from Chromite Ore Processing Residue (COPR) and more particularly, the present invention relates to an economical and environment-friendly process for recovering chromium as a chromate salt and iron as an iron salt from non-leachable Chromite Ore Processing Residue and avoids landfilling of toxic metals.

Abstract: A novel synthetic aluminium tanning agent as an alternative for chromium based tanning salts without using formaldehyde was prepared by using aromatic polymeric matrix and aluminium (III) salts as raw materials with suitable masking agents. The preparation of the syntan consists of sulphonation of aromatic molecule, which is incorporated with a polymeric network along with ligands specially designed for the complexation of aluminium (III) salts. The complex can be used as a self-tanning agent in leather industry with fairly good filling behavior. The tanned leathers exhibit shrinkage temperature about 85° C. Due to the higher precipitation point of the product, it can be used for tanning directly after deliming thus eliminating the pickling process. This product, unlike the conventional phenol based products, does not undergo photo-oxidation thereby preventing the discoloration of the tanned leathers.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a synthetic tanning agent is disclosed whereby multi functional polymer is polymerized with sulfonated aromatic compound, pretreated with organic ligand to form an organo-polymeric matrix, which is essentially formaldehyde-free. The product has potential application in leather industry as an eco-friendly approach to chrome tanning by eliminating the conventional pickling process and the related problem of total dissolved solids (TDS) associated with the effluent. The present invention also provides for an exhaust aid for chrome due to its multiple carboxyl groups.

Abstract: A process of combination tannage is disclosed whereby Zirconium salt is complexed with THP salt to produce wet pink leather without using any conventional dye. The resulting leathers exhibit shrinkage temperature of more than 100° C. properties and other comparable to those of conventionally processed leathers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel leather making process whereby the post-tanning wet operations are done prior to tanning stage itself to make leather in eco-friendly manner in substantially shorter duration. The present process reduces the number of required steps for leather processing and the pollution load generated in comparison to conventional leather processing.

Abstract: The use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather making creates a lot of environmental concern. However, there is no commercial beam house process that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide. In this invention, a novel bio-chemical process has been standardized employing specific enzymes and non-toxic chemical that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather processing. It has been found that the extent of hair removal and opening up of fiber bundles is comparable to that of the conventional limed leathers. Performance of the leathers is shown to be on par with conventionally leathers. The process also enjoys reduction in chemical oxygen demand and total solids load compared to conventional process.

Abstract: An improved device for leather processing comprising a vessel containing perforated dummy doors and compartments with pegs as well as friction disk fixed along the exterior periphery of the vessel. The leathers to be wet processed are subjected to mechanical action in terms of both rocking action as well as rotational movement simultaneously. The perpetual motion of the device help to create pressure generation for quickening the process and for addition of chemical solution continuously. The processing takes place under pressure generated inside the vessel and with the support of multiple mechanical actions, resulting in higher exhaustion of bath with less processing time and energy requirement and higher capacity utilization to produce good quality leather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel leather making process whereby the post-tanning wet operations are done prior to tanning stage itself to make leather in eco-friendly manner in substantially shorter duration. The present process reduces the number of required steps for leather processing and the pollution load generated in comparison to conventional leather processing.

Abstract: The use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather making creates a lot of environmental concern. However, there is no commercial beam house process that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide. In this invention, a novel bio-chemical process has been standardized employing specific enzymes and non-toxic chemical that could totally eliminate the use of lime and sodium sulfide in leather processing. It has been found that the extent of hair removal and opening up of fibre bundles is comparable to that of the conventional limed leathers. Performance of the leathers is shown to be on par with conventionally leathers. The process also enjoys reduction in chemical oxygen demand and total solids load compared to conventional process.

Abstract: A novel synthetic aluminium tanning agent as an alternative for chromium based tanning salts without using formaldehyde was prepared by using aromatic polymeric matrix and aluminium (III) salts as raw materials with suitable masking agents. The preparation of the syntan consists of sulphonation of aromatic molecule, which is incorporated with a polymeric network along with ligands specially designed for the complexation of aluminium (III) salts. The complex can be used as a self-tanning agent in leather industry with fairly good filling behavior. The tanned leathers exhibit shrinkage temperature about 85° C. Due to the higher precipitation point of the product, it can be used for tanning directly after deliming thus eliminating the pickling process. This product, unlike the conventional phenol based products, does not undergo photo-oxidation thereby preventing the discoloration of the tanned leathers.

Abstract: An improved device for leather processing comprising a vessel containing perforated dummy doors and compartments with pegs as well as friction disk fixed along the exterior periphery of the vessel. The leathers to be wet processed are subjected to mechanical action in terms of both rocking action as well as rotational movement simultaneously. The perpetual motion of the device help to create pressure generation for quickening the process and for addition of chemical solution continuously. The processing takes place under pressure generated inside the vessel and with the support of multiple mechanical actions, resulting in higher exhaustion of bath with less processing time and energy requirement and higher capacity utilization to produce good quality leather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for simultaneous recovery of chromium and iron from Chromite Ore Processing Residue (COPR) and more particularly, the present invention relates to an economical and environment-friendly process for recovering chromium as a chromate salt and iron as an iron salt from non-leachable Chromite Ore Processing Residue and avoids landfilling of toxic metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eco-friendly beam house process for de-hairing of leather using commercially available enzymes that obviates the use of lime and other alkalis. The present invention also provides an alternate process for opening the fibers of leather using commercially available enzymes. The present invention further provides a three-step process for tanning hide or skin in a narrow pH range of from about 7.5 to about 8.5.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a synthetic tanning agent is disclosed whereby multi functional polymer is polymerized with sulfonated aromatic compound, pretreated with organic ligand to form an organo-polymeric matrix, which is essentially formaldehyde-free. The product has potential application in leather industry as an eco-friendly approach to chrome tanning by eliminating the conventional pickling process and the related problem of total dissolved solids (TDS) associated with the effluent. The present invention also provides for an exhaust aid for chrome due to its multiple carboxyl groups.