Abstract

In this new report of the series ‘Hair saving unhairing process’,we consider the epidermis as a diffusion barrier. The possible macro and micro routes of substance permeation across this tissue and the possible mechanisms of how to injure the stratum corneum and the intercellular inter-intra stratum adhesion are also described. A proposal related to the most important phases of unhairing is also considered, where the so-called Phase I: chemical-mechanical injury of the epidermis is highlighted. The sulphitolysis process, the action of trypsin, SDS, surfactants/solvents and urea are relevant factors to take into account in the above mentioned Phase I. Preliminary results, at laboratory scale, using ‘epidermis substrate’ and fresh hide are described.