Purification and Characterization of Keratinase fromFeather Degrading Bacillus sp.

Microorganisms producing keratinases are gaining prominence in recycling of poultry waste feather. Keratinase producing Bacillus sp. Isolated, were subjected to strain improvement along with optimisation of parameters of fermentation. Scaled up enzyme was partially purified and characterized to evaluate its application potential. Keratinase isolated from the bacillus species exhibited good stability with > 90% activity being retained for one month at refrigerated conditions and 50% activity was observed even after two months. At room temperature, the enzyme was active for 24 � 48 hours with optimum temperature of activity being 55∞C. The activity range was between 28∞C - 55∞C and pH optima was 8.5 which matched with optima for production of the enzyme. ~38kDa keratinase produced by the isolates was categorized into subtilisin group of serine proteinase based on the sensitivity to protease inhibitors, Keratinase from the test isolates was only marginally affected by surfactants, organic solvents. A significant enhancement in activity was observed in presence of reducing agents indicating possible versatile application potential for this enzyme with high stability