Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #192943
Title: TANNING POTENTIAL OF GENIPIN

Author
item DING, KEYI - VISITING SCIENTIST
item Taylor, Maryann
item Brown, Eleanor - Ellie

Submitted to: American Leather Chemists Association Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2006
Publication Date: 6/21/2006
Citation: Ding, K., Taylor, M.M., Brown, E.M. 2006. Tanning potential of genipin [abstract]. American Leather Chemists Association Meeting. Paper No. 17.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Genipin, a derivative of the iridoid glycoside geniposide in the fruit of Gardenia jasmindides Ellis, is a naturally occurring protein crosslinking agent, which is beginning to replace glutaraldehyde as a fixative for biological tissues. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of iridoid compounds, in particular genipin, for use as tanning agents. Genipin was found to have a tanning effect on bovine hide powder and on intact pieces of bovine hide. Parameters including the dosage of genipin, reaction time, pH and temperature of the tanning process were varied. A peak temperature (Tp) of 79 deg C was obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for hide powder treated with 5% genipin at pH ~ 7 and 35 deg C for 24 h. A secondary observation was that the tanned hide powder exhibited a dark blue color characteristic of the reaction of primary amines with genipin. A likely mechanism for genipin tanning is discussed. These results provide a new potential approach to chromium-free tanning for the leather industry.