Technology Description:

The invention is a process that addresses a condition knownas red heat which results in damage to brine-cured cattlehides, causing millions in losses each year to the leatherindustry. The process involves applying bile salts toanimal hides in an amount effective for inhibiting the growth ofhalobacteria. The invention also involves a compositioncontaining bile salts which may be dissolved in hide-curingbrine solutions.The bile salts used in the invention are easily extractedfrom animal production sources such as gall bladder andliver extracts. These sources include mammals, fish andfowl. The extracted salts are inexpensive and safe tohandle. Red heat is caused by a halophilic bacteria whichdigest the grain surface of hides causing visible damage. Theinvention replaces conventional bactericides which have beenapproved for industrial use, but are not effective controlsof these microbes.

Reference:

Please refer to USPN 5,945,027 (Docket #0224.97), "Method of Using Bile Salts to Inhibit "Red Heat" in Stoed Brine and Skins," which issued August 31, 1999.  Foreign rights are available.

Inventors:

Russell H. Vreeland Southeast Applied Research Center 219 Valley Green Drive Coatesville, PA 19320 (610) 857-9916	Robert W. Claunch Southeast Applied Research 67163 Diamondhead Drive East Diamondhead, MS 39525 (601) 255-5959
David G. Bailey  Eastern Regional Research   600 East Mermaid Lane Wyndmoor, PA 19038 (215) 233-6743 / Fax: (215) 233-6795