Fine Structure Of Pig Skin And Determination Of The Damage Of Enzyme On It

The present study about three-dimensional structure of pigskin collagen fibril and damage of enzyme on it was performed using SPM and TEM. Image- manipulation software was also used in this study to get quantitative data.SPM method was decided in analyzing natural pigskin and its hydrolysate. Microscopy had revealed that pigskin collagen fibril had periodic transverse grooves (i. e., D-periodicity) which was about 67nm. And single fibril was also observed. The images were quantitatively analyzed.The information about three-dimensional structure of fibrils within pigskin tissue was revealed. Axial and lateral assembly model of fibrils was studied. Our findings included the following outlines: The cross-section of fibril was round or elliptic in shape. They were about 50-150nm, differed in diameter as they belonged to different layer. Both ends of fibril were rotundity as found slightly bulged. The axial periodicity was not clear on the end. The length of fibril was less than 10| 1m. The fibrils arranged compact, showing crystal and crystalloid structure, having disfigurement somewhere. In axial direction fibrils were found staggered end by end.Epidermis and basement membrane (BM for short) fine structure and their changes under enzyme function were also studied. Thickness of BM three-layer structure was 50-100nm. In enzymatic depilation process,bright-line structure of BM disappeared. If the process was prolonged, the grain-top membrane structure of BM disappeared at last, the fibrils of papillary layer were then exposed.Fine structure changes of fibril and microfiber after enzyme treatment were decided. The relationship between these changes and mechanical character of leather was studied. The contact of fibrils was weakened under enzyme treatment, then individual fibril was released. The damage first took place on surface of microfiber, then gradually rushed in, and finally brought on the breakdown of the fibril crystal structure. The figure of fibril cross-section was not changed clearly, but the length of fibril was shorter. These changes can explain the softness and the tensile strength dropdown of leather made from enzymatic depilations.The present study made further understand of pigskin fine structure on fibril lever and its changes under enzyme treatment. It can provide academic proof in using pigskin to leather or biomaterial industry.