Valorisation of Basa (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Skin Waste into Quality Leather Using a Non Chrome Treatment Method

Basa, a widely cultured, processed, and traded fish generates huge quantity of unutilized waste especially skin from processing units. Fresh cleaned Basa skin was treated with calcium carbonate (CCT), sodium hydroxide (SHT) and then treated with isopropyl alcohol and glycerin at three different ratios (0.5:1 (C1), 1:1 (C2) and 1:0.5 (C3)) at 4, 7, 14, and 30 days, respectively. Proximate composition, collagen and hydroxyproline contents of skin waste along with textural properties and histological analysis of developed fish leather were examined. The major constituent of skin protein was the collagen (43.31 ± 3.78%), which plays a significant role in leather processing. Histological analysis indicated that arrangement of collagen fibers before and after the treatment process demonstrated the adequacy of the process. The physical quality parameters such as tear strength (72.42 ± 0.22 N/mm) obtained for C3 at 14th day and tensile strength (67.65 ± 0.07 kgf) for C2 on the 7th day were found to be in acceptable range and comparable to animal leather. Value added leather products developed under the study had better acceptability. The technology and process developed will be a boost to the growing fish waste management problem around the world and a promising alternative for exotic animal leathers.