Ossein

Ossein is a particular substance that constitutes the cellular tissue of the skin, cartilage and bone. It is made of 95% collagen.[1]

By treating bones with hydrochloric acid, ossein is then isolated from bone, leaving calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate dissolved away. Ossein can be rapidly converted into gelatin by the prolonged action of slightly acidic boiling water. Gelatin is an isomer of ossein; with sulfuric acid and alkalis, ossein produces leucine and glycine.

Ossein can easily degrade when it is wet. Exposed to the air in this state, it putrefies. On the other hand, it can combine with certain metal oxides and tannin, forming water-insoluble and rot-proof compounds.

This substance is used in industry for the conservation and working of animal skins.

References

  1. ↑ Pierre-Hubert Nysten / Littré, Emile / Robin, Charles. Dictionnaire de médecine, de chirurgie, de pharmacie, des sciences accessoires et de l'art vétérinaire de P.-H. Nysten, 12e édition, entièrement refondue par É. Littré,... Ch. Robin,... Ouvrage augmenté de la Synonymie latine, grecque, allemande, anglaise, italienne et espagnole et suivi d'un glossaire de ces diverses langues. Paris : J.-B. Baillière, 1865. En ligne sur BIUM université de Paris
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