Potential use of wool-associated Bacillus species for biodegradation of keratinous materials

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

A. Catarina Queiroga (Author) Other; Manuela E. Pintado (Author) Other; F. Xavier Malcata (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation

Vol. 70 No. 5

Pages: 60-65

ISSN: 0964-8305

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 13 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 21 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-AHZ

DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.12.013

Abstract (EN): Five wool-degrading bacterial strains were selected from a set of 115 isolates from a less conventional source, i.e., the wool of Portuguese Merino sheep, based on their promising keratinolytic abilities. All selected strains belong to the genus Bacillus, probably Bacillus subtilis/licheniformis, according to 16S rRNA sequencing. They were able to grow on and hydrolyse feathers and wool (in both native and milled forms), and human hair and nails to a lesser extent. The maximum keratinase activity was recorded on milled chicken feathers. Biodegradation of such keratin-rich matrices increased the amount of soluble proteins in the fermentation broth and implied the action of extracellular enzymes from those adventitious microorganisms. Therefore, such novel strains have a potential for effective use in solid waste management strategies encompassing keratin-rich materials based on submerged fermentation. Concomitantly, the nutritional value of the broth may be improved for eventual formulation of animal feed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6