Isolation, optimization of production conditions, characterisation and partial purification of keratinase enzyme from bacillus SP.

Keratinase producing bacteria were isolated from poultry farm soil and feathers from places located in and around Coimbatore, India. The isolated bacteria were screened for keratinase production using Feather Meal medium. The positive strains were then characterized and identified as Bacillus sp. Optimum conditions for the growth of the bacterium and production of keratinase enzyme has been identified as follows: pH 7.5, temperature 37°C, substrate concentration 1 %, inoculum concentration 4 % and incubation period 24 hours respectively. For enzyme activity optimum pH was found to be 7.5, temperature 450C.The enzyme was partially purified using filter sterilization. High degradation of keratin was observed in the degrading medium added with glucose as carbon source and inoculated with partially purified keratinase.