Exploring the potential of proteolytic bacteria for keratinase enzyme synthesis: Study on isolation and screening

Abstract

Keratinase enzymes have garnered interest for their ability to degrade keratin-rich substrates. In this study, we focus on isolation and screening proteolytic bacteria capable of producing keratinase enzymes. By identifying novel bacterial sources of keratinases, This study aims to explore the potential proteolytic bacteria to produce keratinase enzymes, through isolation and screening processes, in order to harness their capability for keratinase synthesis. Proteolytic bacteria were isolated from the storage warehouse of hide and skin in Politeknik ATK Yogyakarta. Screening for keratinase producing bacteria were conducted by selection of proteolytic activity test and keratin degradation test. Six of the twelve isolates exhibited halo zones when they grew on proteolytic media. Among the bacteria isolates, bacterium ATK3 demonstrated the highest percentage of keratin degradation and keratinase activity. Based on the study, bacteria isolate of ATK3 had the most potential to be explored as a keratinase enzyme producing bacteria.