Gelatin extraction through acetic acid using tannery waste as raw material

Abstract

The present study proposes an alternative gelatin extraction method from waste materials generated by tanneries, including trimmings, offcuts, and leather scraps. These industrial byproducts yield substantial monthly volumes that are managed by an environmental entity and disposed of in a sanitary landfill. To harness the potential of these waste materials, experimental techniques were employed, involving protein analysis, assessment of response to varying concentrations of acetic acid, and the application of various treatments to individual samples. The objective was to maximize yield and minimize ecological impact. The most effective treatment was found to be T16 (1 mole of acid per liter) for trimmings, T12 (0.8 moles of acid per liter) for offcuts, and T8 (0.7 moles of acid per liter) for leather scraps. Approximately 90% of the obtained protein values correspond to collagen, with a more pronounced presence in the trimmings samples.