Microbial Keratinase Production and Application to Improve the Properties of Wool Fabrics

Keratinases have been used because of their ability to separate keratin that cannot be broken down by common proteases in the processing of wool fabrics in the textile industry. In this study, to enhance the keratinase production from Streptomyces sp. 2M21, three different detergents (SDS, Triton X-100, Tween 80) in two different concentrations (0.5%, 0.1%) were added to the fermentation medium containing raw sheep wool as a solid substrate and results were evaluated compared to the control groups. The highest enzyme activity was obtained from 0.5% Tween 80 containing fermentation medium that increased enzyme activity from 111 (U/mL) to 399 (U/mL). Subsequently, the produced keratinase and commercial enzyme were compared for improving the hydrophilicity, dyeing and shrinkage properties of wool fabrics. Results suggest that, the keratinase produced from raw wool is feasible for processing of wool fabrics in textile industry.