New Method for Making Composites and Films from Agricultural Materials Technology Description: ARS scientists have developed a treatment that imparts cohesion and strength to animal by-products such as chromium-tanned leather, formaldehyde-tanned leather, vegetable-tanned leather, and feathers. The materials are treated with an enzyme, called transglutaminase, which promotes bonding of materials. Transglutaminase is an inexpensive enzyme that historically has been added to food proteins to improve their functional properties. Using this enzyme for nonfood use could reduce or eliminate the need for noxious chemicals typically used to make similar products. The invention can help the leather and poultry industries produce useful products from waste materials. Reference: Please refer to Patent Number 6,200,789, "Enzymatic Treatment of Proteinaceous Materials to Impart Cohesion and Strength," which issued on March 13, 2001. Inventors: William N. Marmer Hides, Lipids & Wool Research  Wyndmoor, PA 19038 (215) 233-6585 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 wmarmer@arserrc.gov Maryann M. Taylor (Same as first inventor) (215) 233-6435 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 mtaylor@arserrc.gov Luisa F. Cabeza (Same as first inventor) (215) 233-6435 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 Eleanor M. Brown (Same as first inventor) (215) 233-6481 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 ebrown@arserrc.gov