Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Microbial production and industrial applications of keratinases: an overview

  • Review
  • Published:
International Microbiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Massive production of keratinaceous byproducts in the form of agricultural and industrial wastes throughout the world necessitates its justified utilization. Chemical treatment of keratin waste is proclaimed as an eco-destructive approach by various researchers since it generates secondary pollutants. Microbial degradation of keratin waste is an emerging and eco-friendly approach and offers dual benefits, i.e., treatment of recalcitrant pollutant (keratin) and procurement of a commercially important enzyme (keratinase). This review summarizes the potential utility of some bacterial and fungal species for the production of keratinase using a variety of keratinaceous wastes as growth substrates. The application of microbial keratinases in waste management; animal feed, detergent, and fertilizer manufacturing; and leather, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries is also abridged in this review.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdel-Fattah AM (2013) Novel keratinase from marine Nocardiopsis dassonvillei NRC2aza exhibiting remarkable hide dehairing. Egypt Pharmaceut J 12:142–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adelere IA, Lateef A (2016) Keratinases: emerging trends in production and applications as novel multifunctional biocatalysts. Kuwait J Sci 43(3):118–127

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmadpour F, Yakhchali B (2017) Development of an asporogenic Bacillus cereus strain to improve keratinase production in exponential phase by switching sigma H on and sigmaF off. FEMS Microbiol Lett 364. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnx216

  • Ahmadpour F, Yakhchali B, Musavi MS (2017) Isolation and identification of a Keratinolytic Bacillus cereus and optimization of keratinase production. J Appl Biotechnol Rep 3(4):507–512

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali TH, Ali NH, Mohamed LA (2011) Production, purification and some properties of extracellular keratinase from feathers-degradation by Aspergillus oryzae NRRL-447. J Appl Sci Environ Sanit 6(2):123–136

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Musallam A, Al-Gharabally D, Vadakkancheril N (2013) Biodegradation of keratin in mineral-based feather medium by thermophilic strains of a new Coprinopsis sp. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 79:42–48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anbu P, Gopinath SCB, Hilda A, Lakshmipriya T, Annadurai G (2005) Purification of keratinase from poultry farm isolate Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and statistical optimization of enzyme activity. Enzym Microb Technol 36:639–647

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Anitha TS, Palanivelu P (2013) Purification and characterization of an extracellular keratinolytic protease from a new isolate of Aspergillus parasiticus. Protein Expr Purif 88:214–220

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Astakhova LA, Asyakina LK (2017) Analysis of indicators of enzyme hydrolysates of feather-down raw materials obtained with the use of multi-enzyme composition. Foods Raw Mater 5:112–120

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avasn MY, Aruna LK, Ramakrishna RS, Apta CD (2011) Degradation of feather and hair by Chrysosporium tropicum: a potent keratinophilic fungus. Afr J Biotechnol 10:3579–3584

    Google Scholar 

  • Awad GE, SalamWA EMA, Salama BM, Abdelkader AF, El-diwany A (2011) Keratinase production by Bacillus pumilus GHD in solid-state fermentation using sugar cane bagasse: optimisation of culture conditions using a Box-Behnken experimental design. Ann Microbiol 61:663–672

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barman NC, Zohora FT, Das KC, Mowla MG, Banu NA, Salimullah M, Hashem A (2017) Production, partial optimization and characterization of keratinase enzyme by Arthrobacter sp. NFH5 isolated from soil samples. AMB Express 7:181. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-017-0462-6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Barone JR, Schmidt WF, Liebner CFE (2005) Thermally processed keratin films. J Appl Polym Sci 97:1644–1651

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Battaglino RA, Huergo M, Pilosof AMR, Bartholomai GB (1991) Culture requirements for the production of protease by Aspergillus oryzae in solid state fermentations. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 35:292–296

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Benkiar A, Nadia ZJ, Badis A, Rebzani F, Soraya BT, Rekik H, Naili B, Ferradji FZ, Bejar S, Jaouadi B (2013) Biochemical and molecular characterization of a thermo- and detergent-stable alkaline serine keratinolytic protease from Bacillus circulans strain DZ100 for detergent formulations and feather-biodegradation process. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 83:129–138

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Birari AR, Narkhede KP, Salunkhe RC (2013) Feather keratin degradation by Stenotrophomonas sp. AB20 screened from poultry waste. J Pure Appl Microbiol 7(4):2973–2979

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bodde SG, Meyers MA, McKittrick J (2011) Correlation of the mechanical and structural properties of cortical rachis keratin of rectrices of the Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco). J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 4:723–732

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boeckle B, Galunsky B, Mueller R (1995) Characterization of a keratinolytic serine proteinase from Streptomyces pactum DSM 40530. Appl Environ Microbiol 61(10):3705–3710

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bohacz J (2017) Biodegradation of feather waste keratin by a keratinolytic soil fungus of the genus Chrysosporium and statistical optimization of feather mass loss. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 33:13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-016-2177-2

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bose A, Pathan S, Pathak K, Keharia H (2014) Keratinolytic protease production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 6B using feather meal as substrate and application of feather hydrolysate as organic nitrogen input for agricultural soil. Waste Biomass Valoriz 5:595–605

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bragulla HH, Homberger DG (2009) Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia. J Anat 214:516–559

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Brandelli A (2008) Bacterial keratinases: useful enzymes for bioprocessing agroindustrial wastes and beyond. Food Bioprocess Technol 1:105–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brandelli A, Daroit DJ, Riffel A (2010) Biochemical features of microbial keratinases and their production and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 85:1735–1750

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brandelli A, Sala L, Kalil SJ (2015) Microbial enzymes for bioconversion of poultry waste into added-value products. Food Res Int 73:3–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cai CG, Zheng XD (2009) Medium optimization for keratinase production in hair substrate by a new Bacillus subtilis KD-N2 using response surface methodology. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 36:875–883

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cai SB, Huang ZH, Zhang XQ, Cao ZJ, Zhou MH, Hong F (2011) Identification of a keratinase producing bacterial strain and enzymatic study for its improvement on shrink resistance and tensile strength of wool and polyester blended fabric. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 163(1):112–126

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cao L, Tan H, Liu Y, Xue X, Zhou S (2008) Characterization of a new keratinolytic Trichoderma atroviride strain F6 that completely degrades native chicken feather. Lett Appl Microbiol 46:389–394

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cao ZJ, Lu D, Luo LS, Deng YX, Bian YG, Zhang XQ, Zhou MH (2012) Composition analysis and application of degradation products of whole feathers through a large scale of fermentation. Environ Sci Pollut Res 19(7):2690–2696

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Casarin F, Cladera-Olivera F, Brandelli A (2008) Use of poultry byproduct for production of keratinolytic enzymes. Food Bioprocess Technol 1:301–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cavello IA, Chesini M, Hours RA, Cavalitto SF (2013) Study of the production of alkaline keratinases in submerged cultures as an alternative for solid waste treatment generated in leather technology. J Microbiol Biotechnol 23:1004–1014

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cedrola SM, de Melo AC, Mazotto AM et al (2012) Keratinases and sulfide from Bacillus subtilis SLC to recycle feather waste. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 28:1259–1269

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chaturvedi V, Bhange K, Bhatt R, Verma P (2014) Production of keratinase using chicken feathers s substrate by a novel multifunctional strain of Pseudomonas stutzeri and its dehairing application. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol 3:167–174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaudhari P, Chaudhari B, Chincholkar S (2013) Iron containing keratinolytic etalloprotease produced by Chryseobacterium gleum. Process Biochem 48:144–151

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chittturi CMK, Lakshmi VV (2015) Fermentative production of keratinase using solid agricultural wastes. Int J Sci Eng Res 6:2229–5518

    Google Scholar 

  • Coward-Kelly G, Agbogbo FK, Holtzapple MT (2006) Lime treatment of keratinous materials for the generation of highly digestible animal feed: 2. Animal hair. Bioresour Technol 97:1344–1352

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cuetos MJ, Gómez X, Otero M, Morán A (2010) Anaerobic digestion and co-digestion of slaughterhouse waste (SHW): influence of heat and pressure pre-treatment in biogas yield. Waste Manag 30:1780–1789

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daroit DJ, Brandelli A (2014) A current assessment on the production of bacterial keratinases. Crit Rev Biotechnol 34:372–384

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Daroit DJ, Corrêa APF, Brandelli A (2009) Keratinolytic potential of a novel Bacillus sp. P45 isolated from the Amazon basin fish Piaractus mesopotamicus. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 63:358–363

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daroit DJ, Corrêa APF, Brandelli A (2011) Production of keratinolytic proteases through bioconversion of feather meal by the Amazonian bacterium Bacillus sp. P45. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 65:45–51

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Azeredo LAI, De Lima MB, Coelho RRR, Freire DMG (2005) Thermophilic protease production by Streptomyces sp. 594 in submerged and solid-state fermentation using feather meal. J Appl Microbiol 100:641–647

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deivasigamani B, Alagappan KM (2008) Industrial application of keratinase and soluble proteins from feather keratins. J Environ Biol 29(6):933–936

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dong YZ, Chang WS, Chen PT (2017) Characterization and overexpression of a novel keratinase from Bacillus polyfermenticus B4 in recombinant Bacillus subtilis. Bioresour Bioprocess 4:47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El-Gendy MMA (2010) Optimization of process parameters for keratinase produced by endophytic Penicillium spp. Morsy1 under solid state fermentation. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 162:780–794

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • El-Ghonemy DH, Ali TH (2017) Optimization of physico-chemical parameters for hyper keratinase production from a newly isolated Aspergillus sp. DHE7 using chicken feather as substrate- management of biowaste. J Appl Pharm Sci 7:171–178

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fakhfakh N, Gargouri M, Dahmen I, Sellami-Kamoun A, El Feki A, Nasri M (2012) Improvement of antioxidant potential in rats consuming feathers protein hydrolysate obtained by fermentation of the keratinolytic bacterium, Bacillus pumilus A1. Afr J Biotechnol 11:938–949

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fakhfakh N, Ktari N, Siala R, Nasri M (2013) Wool-waste valorization: production of protein hydrolysate with high antioxidative potential by fermentation with a new keratinolytic bacterium, Bacillus pumilus A1. J Appl Microbiol 115(2):424–433

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fakh-fakh-Zauari N, Haddar A, Hmidet N, Farikha F, Moncef N (2010) Application of statistical experimental design for optimization of keratinases production by Bacillus pumilus A1 grown on chicken feather and some biochemical properties. Process Biochem 45:617–626

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fang Z, Zhang J, Liu B, Du G, Chen J (2013) Biodegradation of wool waste and keratinase production in scale–up fermenter with different strategies by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia BBE11-1. Bioresour Technol 140(2–3):286–291

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Farag AM, Hassan MA (2004) Purification, characterization and immobilization of a keratinase from Aspergillus orizae. Enzym Microb Technol 34:85–93

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fontoura R, Daroit DJ, Correa AP, Meira SM, Mosquera M, Brandelli A (2014) Production of feather hydrolysates with antioxidant, angiotensin-I converting enzyme-and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV-inhibitory activities. New Biotechnol 31(5):506–513

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fraser RDB, Parry DAD (2008) Molecular packing in the feather keratin filament. J Struct Biol 162:1–13

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Friedrich AB, Antranikian G (1996) Keratin degradation by Fervidobacterium pennavorans, a novel thermophilic anaerobic species of the order thermotogales. Appl Environ Microbiol 62(8):2875–2882

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gioppo NMR, Moreira-Gasparin FG, Costa AM, Alexandrino AM, Souza CGM, Peralta RM (2009) Influence of the carbon and nitrogen sources on keratinase production by Myrothecium verrucaria in submerged and solid state cultures. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 36:705–711

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gopinath SCB, Anbu P, Lakshmipriya T, Tang TH, Chen Y, Hashim U, Ruslinda AR, Arshad MKM (2015) Biotechnological aspects and perspective of microbial keratinase production. Biomed Res Int 2015:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/140726

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gradisar H, Friedrich J, Krizaj I, Jerala R (2005) Similarities and specificities of fungal keratinolytic proteases: comparison of keratinases of Paecilomyces marquandii and Doratomyces microspores to some know proteases. Appl Environ Microbiol 71:3420–3426

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Grazziotin A, Pimentel FA, de Jong EV, Brandelli A (2006) Nutritional improvement of feather protein by treatment with microbial keratinase. Anim Feed Sci Technol 126:135–144

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grohs Ferrareze PA, Flomer Correa AP, Brandelli A (2016) Purification and characterization of a keratinolytic protease produced by periodic probiotic Bacillus subtilis. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol 7:102–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta R, Ramnani P (2006) Microbial keratinases and their prospective applications: an overview. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 70:21–33

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta R, Rajput R, Sharma R, Gupta N (2013) Biotechnological applications and prospective market of microbial keratinases. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 97:9931–9940

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hassan MA, Haroun BM, Amara AA, Serour EA (2013) Production and characterization of keratinolytic protease from new wool-degrading Bacillus species isolated from Egyptian ecosystem. Biomed Res Int 2013:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/175012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hong SJ, Park GS, Jung BK, Khan AR, Park Y, Lee CH, Shin JH (2015) Isolation, identification, and characterization of a keratin-degrading bacterium Chryseobacterium sp. P1-3. J Appl Biol Chem 58:247–251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Busk PK, Herbst FA, Lange L (2015) Genome and secretome analyses provide insights into keratin decomposition by novel proteases from the non-pathogenic fungus Onygena corvina. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 99:9635–9649

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Huang M, Chen R, Ren G (2017) Secretory expression and purification of Bacillus licheniformis keratinase in insect cells. J Pone. https://doi.org/10.1371/.0183764

  • Hussain J, Rabbani I, Aslam S, Ahmad H (2015) An overview of poultry industry in Pakistan. World Poult Sci J 71:689–700

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ichida JM, Krizova L, LeFevre CA, Keener HM, Elwell DL, Burtt EH (2001) Bacterial inoculum enhances keratin degradation and biofilm formation in poultry compost. J Microbiol Methods 47:199–208

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ionata E, Canganella F, Bianconi G, Benno Y, Sakamoto M, Capasso A, Rossi M, La Cara F (2008) A novel keratinase from Clostridium sporogenes bv. pennavorans bv. nov., a thermotolerant organism isolated from solfataric muds. Microbiol Res 163:105–112

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Irshad A, Sharma BD (2015) Abattoir by-product utilization for sustainable meat industry: a review. J Anim Prod Adv 5:681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaouadi B, Abdelmalek B, Nedia Zaraî Jaouadi NZ, Bejar S (2011) The bioengineering and industrial applications of bacterial alkaline proteases: the case of SAPB and KERAB. In: Carpi Angelo (ed) Progress in molecular and environmental bioengineering—from analysis and modeling to technology application. In Tech Europe, pp 445–466

  • Jaouadi NZ, Rekik H, Badis A, Trabelsi S, Belhoul M, Yahiaoui AB, Aicha HB, Toumi A, Bejar S, Jaouadi B (2013) Biochemical and molecular characterization of a serine keratinase from Brevibacillus brevis US575 with promising keratin-biodegradation and hide-dehairing activities. PLoS One 8:e76722

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Jeong JH, Jeon YD, Lee OM, Kim JD, Lee NR, Park GT, Son HJ (2010) Characterization of a multifunctional feather-degrading Bacillus subtilis isolated from forest soil. Biodegradation 21:1029–1040

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jin HS, Park SY, Kim K, Lee YJ, Nam GW, Kang NJ, Lee DW (2017) Development of a keratinase activity assay using recombinant chicken feather keratin substrates. PLoS One 12:e0172712. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172712

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kamarudin NB, Sharma S, Gupta A, Kee CG, Chik SMSBT, Gupta R (2017) Statistical investigation of extraction parameters of keratin from chicken feather using design-expert. 3 Biotech 7:127

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kannahi M, Ancy RJ (2012) Keratin degradation and enzyme producing ability of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium solani from soil. J Chem Pharm Res 4:3245–3248

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karthikeyan R, Balaji S, Sehgal PK (2007) Industrial applications of keratins—a review. J Sci Ind Res 66(9):710–715

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khardenavis AA, Kapley A, Purohit HJ (2009) Processing of poultry feathers by alkaline keratin hydrolyzing enzyme from Serratia sp. HPC 1383. Waste Manag 29:1409–1415

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kim JM, Lim WJ, Suh HJ (2001) Feather-degrading Bacillus species from poultry waste. Process Biochem 37:287–291

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Koelsch G, Tang J, Loy JA, Monod M, Jackson K, Foundling SI, Lin X (2000) Enzymic characteristics of secreted aspartic proteases of Candida albicans. Biochim Biophys Acta 1480:117–131

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Korniłłowicz-Kowalska T (1999) Studies on decomposition of keratin wastes by saprotrophic microfungi. III. Activity and properties of keratinolytic enzymes. Acta Mycol 34:65–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kornillowicz-Kowalska T, Bohacz J (2011) Biodegradation of keratin waste: theory and practical aspects. Waste Manag 31(8):1689–1701

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kreplak L, Doucet J, Dumas P, Briki F (2004) New aspects of the α-helix to β-sheet transition in stretched hard α-keratin fibers. Biophys J 87:640–647

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar J, Kushwaha RKS (2014) Screening of fungi efficient in feather degradation and keratinase production. Arch Appl Sci Res 6(1):73–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar R, Balaji S, Uma TS, Mandal AB, Sehgal PK (2010) Optimization of influential parameters for extracellular keratinase production by Bacillus subtilis (MTCC9102) in solid state fermentation using horn meal—a biowaste management. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 160:30–39

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kunert J (2000) Physiology of keratinophilic fungi. In: Kushwaha RKS, Guarro J (eds) Biology of dermatophytes and other keratinophilic fungi, 1st edn. Rev Iberoam Micol (Suppl.), Bilbao, pp 77–85

  • Laba W, Choinska A, Rodziewicz A, Piegza M (2015) Keratinolytic abilities of Micrococcus luteus from poultry waste. Braz J Microbiol 46:691–700

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lakshmi PJ, Chitturi CMK, Lakshmi VV (2013) Efficient degradation of feather by keratinase producing Bacillus sp. Int J Microbiol 2013:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/608321

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lange L, Busk PK, Huang Y (2014) Use of a microbial composition for the degradation of keratinaceous materials. Denmark Patent WO 2014/169920 A2, 23 October 2014

  • Lange L, Huang Y, Busk PK (2016) Microbial decomposition of keratin in nature—a new hypothesis of industrial relevance. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 100:2083–2209

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Langeveld JPM, Wang JJ, Van de Wiel DFM, Shih GC, Garssen GJ, Bossers A, Shih JCH (2003) Enzymatic degradation of prion protein in brain stem from infected cattle and sheep. J Infect Dis 188:1782–1789

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lasekan A, Abu Bakar F, Hashim D (2013) Potential of chicken by-products as sources of useful biological resources. Waste Manag 33(3):552–565

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lateef A, Oloke JK, Gueguim EB, Sobowale BO, Ajao SO, Bello BY (2010) Keratinolytic activities of a new feather- degrading isolate of Bacillus cereus LAU 08 isolated from Nigerian soil. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 64:162–165

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lateef A, Adelere IA, Gueguim-Kana EB (2015) Bacillus safensis LAU 13: a new source of keratinase and its multi-functional biocatalytic applications. Biotechnol Biotechnol Equip 29(1):54–63

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liang X, Bian Y, Tang XF, Xiao G, Tang B (2010) Enhancement of keratinolytic activity of a thermophilic subtilase by improving its autolysis resistance and thermostability under reducing conditions. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 89:999–1006

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin X, Tang J, Koelsch G, Monod M, Foundling S (1993) Recombinant Canditropsin, an extracellular aspartic protease from yeast Candida tropicalis. J Biol Chem 268:20143–20147

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liu B, Zhang J, Xiangru-Liao BL, Du G, Chen J (2013) Expression and characterization of extreme alkaline, oxidation-resistant keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis in recombinant Bacillus subtilis WB600 expression system and its application in wool fiber processing. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 29(5):825–832

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lopes FC, Silva LA, Tichota DM, Daroit DJ, Velho RV, Pereira JQ, Corrêa AP, Brandelli A (2011) Production of proteolytic enzymes by a keratin-degrading Aspergillus niger. Enzym Res 2011:487093. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/487093

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marcondes NR, Taira CL, Vandresen DC, Svidzinski TIE, Kadowaki MK, Peralta RM (2008) New feather-degrading filamentous fungi. Microbiol Ecol 56:13–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mariyammal P, Ezhilarasu A, Karthy ES, Menaga D (2018) Purification and characterization of novel extracellular keratinase enzyme from poultry feather waste. Int J Curr Res Life Sci 7:1018–1024

    Google Scholar 

  • Matikeviciene V, Levišauskas D, Sirvydytė K, Dižavicienė O, Masiliūnien D, Ancenko O (2011) Optimization of keratinase production by Actinomyces fradiae 119 and its application in degradation of keratin containing wastes. Environ Technol Resour 1:294–300

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazotto AM, Lage Cedrola SM, Lins U, Rosado AS, Silva KT, Chaves JQ, Rabinovitch L, Zingali RB, Vermelho AB (2009) Keratinolytic activity of Bacillus subtilis AMR using human hair. Lett Appl Microbiol 50:89–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mazotto AM, Coelho RRR, Cedrola SML, Lima M, Couri S, Vermelho AB (2011a) Keratinase production by three Bacillus spp. using feather meal and whole feather as substrate in a submerged fermentation. Enzym Res 2011:1–7. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/523780

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mazotto AM, de Melo ACN, Macrae A, Rosado AS, Peixoto R, Cedrola SML, Couri S, Zingali RB, Villa ALV, Rabinovitch L, Chaves JQ, Vermelho AB (2011b) Biodegradation of feather waste by extracellular keratinases and gelatinases from Bacillus spp. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 27(6):1355–1365

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mazotto AM, Couri S, Damaso MCT, Vermelho AB (2013) Degradation of feather waste by Aspergillus niger keratinases: comparison of submerged and solid-state fermentation. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 85:189–195

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McKittrick J, Chen PY, Bodde SG, Yang W, Novitskaya EE, Meyers MA (2012) The structure, functions, and mechanical properties of keratin. JOM 64:449–468

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyers MA, Chen PY, Lin AYM, Seki Y (2008) Biological materials: structure and mechanical properties. Prog Mater Sci 53(1):1–206

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mohorcic M, Torkar A, Friedrich J, Kristl J, Murdan S (2007) An investigation into keratinolytic enzymes to enhance ungual drug delivery. Int J Pharm 332:196–201

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Monod M, Lechenne B, Jousson O, Grand D, Zaugg C, Stocklin R, Grouzmann E (2005) Aminopeptidases and dipeptidyl-peptidases secreted by the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Microbiology 151:145–155. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.27484-0

  • Nagal S, Jain PC (2010) Feather degradation by strains of Bacillus isolated from decomposing feathers. Braz J Microbiol 41:196–200

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nam GW, Lee DW, Lee HS, Lee Lee NJ, Kim BJ, Choe EA (2002) Native feather degradation by Fervidobacterium islandicum AW-1, a newly isolating keratinase producing thermophilic anaerobe. Arch Microbiol 178:538–547

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Narayan S, Dutta J (2005) Creutzffeldt–Jakob disease. J Assoc Physicians India 53:791–795

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Negi M, Tsuboi R, Matsui T, Ogawa H (1984) Isolation and characterization of proteinase from Candida albicans: substrate specificity. J Invest Dermatol 83:32–36

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ng CS, Wu P, Fan WL, Yan J, Chen CK, Lai YT, Wu SM, Mao CT, Chen JJ, Lu MY, Ho MR, Widelitz RB, Chen CF, Chuong CM, Li WH (2014) Genomic organization, transcriptomic analysis, and functional characterization of avian α- and β-keratins in diverse feather forms. Genome Biol Evol 6:2258–2273

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Nwadiaro PO, Chuku A, Onyimba IA, Ogbonna AI, Nwaukwu IA, Adekojo DA (2015) Keratin degradation by Penicillium purpurogenum isolated from tannery soils in Jos, Nigeria. Braz Microbiol Res J 8:358–366

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Odetallah NH, Wang JJ, Garlich JD, Shih JCH (2005) Versazyme supplementation of broiler diets improves market growth performance. Poult Sci 84:858–864

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Onifade AA, Al-Sane NA, Al-Musallam AA, Al-Zarban S (1998) A review: potentials for biotechnological applications of keratin-degrading microorganisms and their enzymes for nutritional improvement of feathers and other keratins as livestock feed resources. Bioresour Technol 66:1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park GT, Son HJ (2009) Keratinolytic activity of Bacillus megaterium F7–1, a feather-degrading mesophilic bacterium. Microbiol Res 164:478–485

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Patinvoh RJ, Feuk-Lagerstedt E, Lundin M, Sárvári Horváth I, Taherzadeh MJ (2016) Biological pretreatment of chicken feather and biogas production from total broth. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 180:1401–1415

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paul T, Das A, Mandal A, Jana A, Maity C, Adak A, Halder SK, DasMohapatra PK, Pati BR, Mondal KC (2013a) Effective dehairing properties of keratinase from Paenibacillus woosongensis TKB2 obtained under solid state fermentation. Waste Biomass Valoriz 5:97–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-013-9217-z

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paul T, Haldar SK, Das A, Bera S, Maity C, Mandal A, Das PS, Das Mohapatra PKD, Pati BR, Mondal KC (2013b) Exploitation of chicken feather waste as a plant growth promoting agent using keratinase producing novel isolate Paenibacillus woosongensis TKB2. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol 2:50–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prakash P, Jayalakshmi SK, Sreeramulu K (2010) Production of keratinase by free and immobilized cells of Bacillus halodurans strain PPKS-2: partial characterization and its application in feather degradation and dehairing of the goat skin. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 160(7):1909–1920

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rai SK, Mukherjee AK (2011) Optimization of production of an oxidant and detergent-stable alkaline β-keratinase from Brevibacillus sp. strain AS-S10-II: application of enzyme in laundry detergent formulations and in leather industry. Biochem Eng J 54(1):47–56

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rajput R, Sharma R, Gupta R (2010) Biochemical characterization of a thiol activated, oxidation stable keratinase from Bacillus pumilus KS12. Enzym Res 2010:1–7. https://doi.org/10.4061/2010/132148

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramnani P, Gupta R (2004) Optimization of medium composition for keratinase production from feather by Bacillus licheniformis RG1 using statistical methods involved response surface methodology. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 40:191–196

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reddy MR, Reddy KS, Chouhan YR, Bee H, Reddy G (2017) Effective feather degradation and keratinase production by Bacillus pumilus GRK for its application as bio-detergent additive. Bioresour Technol 243:254–263

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Riffel A, Brandelli A, Bellato CM, Souza GHMF, Eberlin MN, Tavares FCA (2007) Purification and characterization of a keratinolytic metalloprotease from Chryseobacterium sp. kr6. J Biotechnol 128:693–703

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rissen S, Antranikian G (2001) Isolation of Thermoanaerobacter keratinophilus sp. nov., a novel thermophilic, anaerobic bacterium with keratinolytic activity. Extremophiles 5:399–408

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sadiq M (2004) Pakistan poultry sector still on an upward swing. World Poult J 20:10–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Saibabu V, Niyonzima FN, More SS (2013) Isolation, partial purification and characterization of keratinase from Bacillus megaterium. Int Res J Biol Sci 2(2):13–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Sala L, Gautério GV, Younan FF, Brandelli A, Moraes CC, Kalil SJ (2014) Integration of ultrafiltration into an aqueous two-phase system in the keratinase purification. Process Biochem 49:2016–2024

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saranya M, Maheswari PU, Sashi V (2015) Production, purification and characterization of keratinase using chicken feather as a substrate by Bacillus sp. Indian J Sci 15(47):120–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Selvam K, Vishnupriya B (2012) Biochemical and molecular characterization of microbial keratinase and its remarkable applications. Int J Pharm Biological Arch 3(2):267–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Shah M, Vaidya R (2017) Partial characterization of keratinase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia K279a and study of its dehairing potential. Int J Biotechnol Biochem 13:95–110

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma R, Devi S (2018) Versatility and commercial status of microbial keratinases: a review. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 17:19–45

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shih JCH, Wang JJ (2006) Keratinase technology: from feather degradation and feed additive, to prion destruction. CAB Rev: Perspect Agric Vet Sci Nutr Nat Resour 1:6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shrinivas D, Kumar R, Naik GR (2012) Enhanced production of alkaline thermostable keratinolytic protease from calcium alginate immobilized cells of thermoalkalophilic Bacillus halodurans JB 99 exhibiting dehairing activity. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 39:93–98

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silva LAD, Macedo AJ, Termignoni C (2014) Production of keratinase by Bacillus subtilis S14. Ann Microbiol 64:1725–1733

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silveira ST, Casarin F, Gemelli S, Brandelli A (2010) Thermodynamics and kinetics of heat inactivation of a novel keratinase from Chryseobacterium sp. strain kr6. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 162:548–560

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Gupta P, Sharma V, Koul S, Kour K, Bajaj BK (2014) Multifarious potential applications of keratinase of Bacillus subtilis K-5. Biocatal Biotransform 32:333–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Masih H, Jeyakumar GE, Lawrence R, Ramteke PW (2017) Optimization of fermentative production of keratinase by Bacillus subtilis strain S1 in submerged state fermentation using feather waste. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci 6(12):1499–1510

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sivakumar T, Balamurugan P, Ramasubramanian V (2013) Characterization and applications of keratinase enzyme by Bacillus thuringiensis TS2. Int J Future Biotechnol 2(1):1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Sousa M, Souza O, Maciel M, Cruz R, Rêgo MG, Magalhães O, Pessoa-Júnior A, Porto A, Souza-Motta C (2015) Keratinolytic potential of fungi isolated from soil preserved at the Micoteca URM. Eur J Biotechnol Biosci 3:10–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Sowjanya NC, Chary CM (2012) Degradation of few avean feathers by Microsporum gypseum. J Phytol 4:21–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Strong PJ, Gapes DJ (2012) Thermal and thermo-chemical pre-treatment of four waste residues and the effect on acetic acid production and methane synthesis. Waste Manag 32:1669–1677

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Suntornsuk W, Suntornsuk L (2003) Feather degradation by Bacillus sp. FK 46 in submerged cultivation. Bioresour Technol 86:239–243

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Syed GD, Lee JC, Li WJ, Kim CJ, Agasar D (2009) Production, characterization and application of keratinase from Streptomyces gulbargensis. Bioresour Technol 100:1868–1871

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tatineni R, Doddapaneni KK, Potumarthi RC, Mangamoori LN (2007) Optimization of keratinase production and enzyme activity using response surface methodology with Streptomyces sp7. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 141:187–201

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tork S, Aly MM, Nawar L (2010) Biochemical and molecular characterization of a new local keratinase producing Pseudomomanas sp., MS21. Asian J Biotechnol 2(1):1–13

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vasileva-Tonkova E, Gousterova A, Neshev G (2009) Ecologically safe method for improved feather wastes biodegradation. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 63:1008–1012

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang JJ, Shih JCH (1999) Fermentation production of keratinase from Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1 and a recombinant B. subtilis FDB-29. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 22:608–616

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang D, Piao XS, Zeng ZK, Lu T, Zhang Q, Li PF, Xue LF, Kim SW (2011) Effects of keratinase on performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, intestinal ecology and inflammatory response of weaned piglets fed diets with different levels of crude protein. J Anim Sci 24(12):1718–1728

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ware A, Power N (2016) What is the effect of mandatory pasteurisation on the biogas transformation of solid slaughterhouse wastes? Waste Manag 48:503–512

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wawrzkiewicz K, Łobarzewski J, Wolski T (1987) Intracellular keratinase of Trichophyton gallinae. J Med Vet Mycol 25:261–268

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Xie F, Chao Y, Yang X, Yang J, Xue Z, Luo Y, Qian S (2010) Purification and characterization of four keratinases produced by Streptomyces sp. strain 16 in native human foot skin medium. Bioresour Technol 101:344–350

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yang Y (2012) Skin-whitening and freckle-dispelling essence and preparation method thereof. Patent: CN102614104

  • Yue XY, Zhang B, Jiang DD, Liu YJ, Niu TG (2011) Separation and purification of a keratinase as pesticide against root-knot nematodes. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 27:2147–2153

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zaghloul TI, Embaby AM, Elmahdy AR (2011) Biodegradation of chicken feathers waste directed by Bacillus subtilis recombinant cells: scaling up in a laboratory scale fermenter. Bioresour Technol 102:2387–2393

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang B, Jiang DD, Zhou WW, Hao HK, Niu TG (2009) Isolation and characterization of a new Bacillus sp. 50-3 with highly alkaline keratinase activity from Calotes versicolorfaeces. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 25:583–590

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang J, Li Y, Li JS, Zhao Z, Liu X, Li Z, Han Y, Hu J, Chen A (2013) Isolation and characterization of biofunctional keratin particles extracted from wool wastes. Powder Technol 246:356–362

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

    Imania Ghaffar, Aqsa Imtiaz, Ali Hussain & Arshad Javid

  2. Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

    Faiza Jabeen

  3. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

    Muhammad Akmal

  4. Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Javed Iqbal Qazi

Authors
  1. Imania Ghaffar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Aqsa Imtiaz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ali Hussain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Arshad Javid
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Faiza Jabeen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Muhammad Akmal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Javed Iqbal Qazi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ali Hussain.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ghaffar, I., Imtiaz, A., Hussain, A. et al. Microbial production and industrial applications of keratinases: an overview. Int Microbiol 21, 163–174 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-018-0022-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-018-0022-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation