Production and Characterization of Keratinolytic Protease of Bacillus licheniformis MZK-03 Grown on Feather Mill

Proteases are catabolic enzymes that catalyze the complete hydrolysis of protein. They constitute one of the most important groups of industrial enzymes, accounting for nearly 60% of the total worldwide enzyme sale1. Keratinolytic protease is a specific protease that has immense commercial importance. It acts on keratin of the hides thus can be used in dehairing2. This enzyme along with protease can be effectively used in leather industry as dehairing agent instead of chemicals or with chemicals thus reducing the use of harsh chemicals in leather processing. In addition, it offers considerable opportunities for a low-energy consuming technology for bioconversion of poultry feathers to protein enriched feedstuff for livestock2-3.