Queiroga, A. CatarinaPintado, Manuela E.Malcata, F. Xavier2013-01-282013-01-282012QUEIROGA, 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. 60-650964-8305http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/10022Short CommunicationFive 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.engHairNailFeatherKeratinaseProteaseNovel strainsjournal article10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.12.0131879-0208WOS:000303960000010