Search

The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of developing fatliquor with antifungal property from Citrullus colocynthis oil. Fatliquor, which is used in leather industry for lubrication of leather is prepared by sulphation of Citrullus colocynthis oil with sulphuric acid at a particular temperature. The particle size of fatliquor has been determined by zeta potential analyzer. Gas chromatograph with a mass detector (GCMS) analysis of Citrullus colocynthis oil confirmed the presence of different percentage of oleic, linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids. Citrullus colocynthis oil has been identified for use as fatliquor based on certain antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. The presence of high percentage of unsaturation and also antifungal property leads to the development of a novel fatliquor for leather application having antifungal activity. Fresh mature cultures of fungal species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus and Paecilomyces variotii have been used as sources of inoculum for ascertaining the antifungal activity of this novel fatliquor.

Calophyllum inophyllum oil which contains mixed oleic, linoleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid is well known for its antimicrobial properties. Presence of unsaturation leads to provide better opportunity for its modification for fat liquoring. Trans esterified emulsion of Calophyllum inophyllum oil shows good antifungal property. To enhance its antifungal activity against more fungal species the blending of trans esterified emulsion with water extract of Bishop’s weed leads to the formation of an antifungal fat liquor. This blended product mitigates most of the disadvantages associated with conventional tanning. Fresh mature cultures of fungal species such as, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus and Paecilomyces variotii have been collected and used as sources of inoculum for antifungal activity of the fat liquor. Gas chromatograph with a mass detector (GC/MS) analysis of both Calophyllum inophyllum oil and Bishop’s weed were carried out separately. The presence of unsaturated acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid provide the platform for its modification by transesterification process and the presence of two compounds namely thymol and carvacrol in the Bishop’s weed enhances the antifungal activity of fat liquor. The antifungal activity of fat liquor is confirmed by Agar well diffusion method. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of using Calophyllum inophyllum oil as antifungal fat liquor for leather industry.