Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Five wool-degrading bacterial strains were selected from a set of 115 isolates from a less conventional source, i.e., the wool of Portuguese Merino sheep, based on their promising keratinolytic abilities. All selected strains belong to the genus Bacillus, probably Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis, according to 16S rRNA sequencing. They were able to grow on and hydrolyse feathers and wool (in both native and milled forms), and human hair and nails to a lesser extent. The maximum keratinase activity was recorded on milled chicken feathers. Biodegradation of such keratin-rich matrices increased the amount of soluble proteins in the fermentation broth and implied the action of extracellular enzymes from those adventitious microorganisms. Therefore, such novel strains have a potential for effective use in solid waste management strategies encompassing keratin-rich materials based on submerged fermentation. Concomitantly, the nutritional value of the broth may be improved for eventual formulation of animal feed.
Description
Short Communication
Keywords
Hair Nail Feather Keratinase Protease Novel strains
Pedagogical Context
Citation
QUEIROGA, A. Catarina; PINTADO, M. E.; MALCATA, F. Xavier - Potential use of wool-associated Bacillus species for biodegradation of keratinous materials. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. ISSN 0964-8305. Vol. 70 (2012), p. 60-65
Publisher
Elsevier