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| Cross-linking agents play an important part in the physical properties of collagen based biomaterials. Tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride (THPC) is an aldehydic tanning agent that is widely used to stabilize collagens in the leather industry. The exact mechanism that it reacts with collagens is, however, not well understood. In this study, the interaction of THPC, with collagens, has been investigated using a number of analytical techniques. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of THPC with a model collagen samples (ethylenediamine, glycin and hide powder) showed that THPC can form multipoint fixation pattern with amino groups of protein and improve the hydrothermal stability of collagen protein. Through tanning trials, we have reported simple and clean technology by using THPC compared to basic chromium sulphate (BCS), glutaraldehyde and oxazolidine E tanning systems. THPC process helps to reduce the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS) and formaldehyde content. Based on the results obtained, a scheme has been proposed that THPC tanning agent not only has advantages in reducing pollution loads but also seems to be techno-economically viable. |
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| Keywords:Collagen; HPC;COD;TDS |
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