Biological Degradation of Keratin by Microbial Keratinase for Effective Waste Management and Potent Industrial Applications

Abstract

: Enzymes are the biocatalysts synthesized by living organisms having high specificity, catalytic activity, and a broad range of applicability. One such biotechnologicaly relevant enzyme is keratinase with various industrial application that captures a significant place in the enzyme market. It belongs to the proteolytic enzyme group that cleaves the highly stable and fibrous protein, keratin through hydrolysis. Keratins are hard- corrupting sinewy proteins insoluble in natural solvents and water. It is frequently aggregated in nature and expressively present in the plumes, hair, nail, horn, skins, feet, etc. The maximum range of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes have been accounted for producing keratinases with significant biotechnological applications. Successful application of this group of enzymes have been seen in various industries such as farming, laundry detergent, cosmetics, animal feed, pharmaceutical, leather, and textile. Moreover they have found remarkable usability in environmentally friendly waste management also. This paper focuses on the structure, sources, and various applications of this industrially important enzyme.