Scholarlink

<p>Leather heritage is vulnerable to deterioration induced by environmental stressors. In this study, a collagen/epicatechin (Col/EC) composite was developed as a protective treatment for artificially aged vegetable-tanned leather. Epicatechin acts as a natural cross-linker via hydrogen bonds, giving the composite an antioxidant capacity of 88.12%. In addition, the Col/EC composite exhibited superior antibacterial performance, with inhibition zones of 17.0 mm and 13.6 mm against <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, respectively. Application of the Col/EC composite to artificially aged vegetable-tanned leather resulted in improved mechanical strength and antibacterial performance, with a small increase in surface lightness. Structural analysis revealed a more uniform distribution and denser interconnection of collagen fibers within the treated matrix. This sustainable strategy replenishes degraded collagen. Overall, this work provides a preliminary feasibility study for the reinforcement of degraded leather. This approach shows potential for cultural heritage preservation, but further validation on authentic archaeological materials is needed.</p><p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Collagen/epicatechin composites for sustainable reinforcement and protection of leather heritage

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

查看全文
  • Qijue Chen,
  • Yumeng Wang,
  • Mingrui Zhang,
  • Mǎdǎlina Georgiana Albu Kaya,
  • Kheng-Lim Goh,
  • Keyong Tang

摘要

Leather heritage is vulnerable to deterioration induced by environmental stressors. In this study, a collagen/epicatechin (Col/EC) composite was developed as a protective treatment for artificially aged vegetable-tanned leather. Epicatechin acts as a natural cross-linker via hydrogen bonds, giving the composite an antioxidant capacity of 88.12%. In addition, the Col/EC composite exhibited superior antibacterial performance, with inhibition zones of 17.0 mm and 13.6 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Application of the Col/EC composite to artificially aged vegetable-tanned leather resulted in improved mechanical strength and antibacterial performance, with a small increase in surface lightness. Structural analysis revealed a more uniform distribution and denser interconnection of collagen fibers within the treated matrix. This sustainable strategy replenishes degraded collagen. Overall, this work provides a preliminary feasibility study for the reinforcement of degraded leather. This approach shows potential for cultural heritage preservation, but further validation on authentic archaeological materials is needed.