Question

Bio-deterioration of hides and skin before tanning process, Hair slip occurs due to

• A. Aspergillus niger
• B. Streptococcus sp
• C. Aspergillus fumigatus
• D. Pseudomonas sp

Hint:

Aspergillus niger is the primary microorganism responsible for hair slip in hides. Control of fungal growth is vital during leather production to avoid costly damage to raw materials.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Bio-deterioration is the breakdown of hides and skins by microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and yeasts during the pre-tanning process. This breakdown affects the structural integrity of collagen, which is the main protein in the hide. Hair slip occurs when these microorganisms degrade the collagen and weaken the attachment of hair to the skin, causing it to fall off. Aspergillus niger, a common fungus, plays a significant role in this process. It produces various enzymes, such as collagenase and other proteases, which break down the collagen in the hide. This enzymatic action leads to hair slipping, making the hide unsuitable for leather processing unless properly managed. Other microbes, like Streptococcus sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pseudomonas sp., also contribute to bio-deterioration, but Aspergillus niger is the most commonly linked to hair slip. The control of microbial growth during the pre-tanning phase is crucial to avoid irreversible damage to the hide, as excessive bio-deterioration can ruin the quality of the leather.