Abstract

This study presents a valuable chromium-resistant collagenase-producing strain (Serratia sp. G) isolated from chrome tanned leather shavings (CTLS). Optimization of its enzyme activity and subsequent practical application are thoroughly addressed. Following isolation, comprehensive optimization of the fermentation medium and culture conditions was conducted, with the most suitable components (g/L) being as follows: Maltose (15), Tryptone (25), NaH2PO4·2H2O (0.5), CaCl2 (0.05), K2HPO4·3H2O (2.5). The maximum collagenase production was attained under the conditions of a 5% inoculum, 100 mL filling volume, and incubation at 37°C with a pH of 8.5 for a duration of 48 hours. Cu2+ completely inhibited the activity of crude enzyme while Zn2+ and Mg2+ exhibited an enhancing effect on the activity of the it. Subjecting chromium-tanned leather to crude chromium-resistant collagenase at 37°C for 48 hours revealed noticeable structural alterations. Specifically, the enzymes caused visible erosion, leading to the destruction of the leather structure and the occurrence of tearing on the leather surface.