Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Keratin-Degrading Streptomyces rochei AM8

Abstract

Keratinolytic microorganisms are highly valuable for decomposition of poultry waste. This study aimed to isolate keratin-decomposing actinobacteria from poultry farm soils and examine their capacity to decompose feathers. Soil samples were placed in a basal medium with feather meal, which is a deposit of carbon and nitrogen. Nine actinobacterial strains were isolated. Actinobacteria were cultured in the media to show clear feather-decomposing potential. Actinobacterial strains were identified using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing as being related to Streptomyces rochei AM8. Thus, the supernatant of S. rochei AM8 exhibited keratinolytic enzyme activity. Increased biodecomposition of feathers was recorded in a keratinase assay (0.782 U/mL) for separated cultures. The ability of the selected microorganisms to decompose feathers may be an effective biotechnological solution for managing feather waste from poultry.