Current Progress and Biotechnological Applications of Microbial Keratinases

Keratin is a fibrous and recalcitrant protein found in feathers, nails, horns, hooves, the epidermis of skin. The presence high degree disulfide bonds, hydrogen hydrophobic interactions makes them resistant to mechanical stress are not degraded by common proteases such as trypsin, pepsin, papain. Due slow degradation keratinous protein, accumulation solid wastes from poultry, slaughterhouse, textile, leather industries leads waste problems other environmental health related problems. In this review, efficient biodegradation microorganisms, low-cost, environmentally friendly strategy has been discussed. Keratinases microbial hydrolyze hard keratin. decomposition keratin keratinases maintains original structure final products, including short peptides, amino acids, organic nitrogen which deteriorated when traditional or chemical method implemented. article, role producing bacterial fungal species their attributes elaborated, along with biochemical characteristics keratinases, further, engineering approaches discussed, prospects enhance activity for biotechnological applications.