Optimization of Keratinase Production and Utilization of Bacillus pumilus for Feather Degradation

Soil samples were collected from the feather dumped area where Bacillus pumilus was isolated and used for keratinase production and keratinolytic activity. In the optimization study, optimal condition for enzyme production was observed at 144 h, pH 7, temperature 37 degrees C. The organism was utilized for feather degradation study. The maximum degradation of 57% was obtained at 37 degrees C, pH 7 and 6 days incubation. The size of keratinase was determined by SDS- PAGE and was observed as 52 KDa.