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Title: Utilization of agricultural by-products to supplement gelatin in preparation of products for leather

Author
item Taylor, Maryann
item Bumanlag, Lorelie
item Brown, Eleanor - Ellie
item Liu, Cheng Kung

Submitted to: American Leather Chemists Association Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/30/2014
Publication Date: 6/18/2014
Citation: Taylor, M.M., Bumanlag, L.P., Brown, E.M., Liu, C. 2014. Utilization of agricultural by-products to supplement gelatin in preparation of products for leather. American Leather Chemists Association Meeting. p. 102.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: When polyphenolic-modified gelatin-products were used as fillers, improvements were seen in the subjective properties of the leather. When the treated samples were compared to control samples, there were no significant changes in mechanical properties. Gelatin is in high demand and short supply, and there is an urgent need to augment the supply of gelatin with new products that retain the desired characteristics of gelatin products. We have evaluated the potential of producing biopolymers from the reaction of polyphenols with gelatin in combination with other proteins (e.g. whey) or with carbohydrates (e.g. chitosan and pectin). Several researchers have recently demonstrated the feasibility of these reactions. These combinations would take advantage of the distinctive properties of both species and at the same time create products with improved functional properties. Recently, the preparation of polyphenolic-modified gelatin/whey biopolymer products was investigated, and the results of product characterization using physicochemical analyses indicated optimal products that could be used as fillers. In this continuing study, these products were applied to wet white, and subjective and mechanical properties were evaluated. At the same time a method was developed to determine the rate of uptake of the product. Results of the studies will be presented. These findings could further add to the knowledge of using renewable resources in production of unique products that may have leather processing application.