Preparation of fatliquor having antifungal activity using the oil of Citrullus colocynthis for application in leather processing

Abstract

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.