Evaluation of Keratinolytic Activity Succeeds by Keratinophilic Fungi in Jaipur, India

Abstract

Earth has innate background for fungi that cover individual kingdom since evolution. The keratinophilic fungi are allied moulds that produce the keratinase enzyme to degrade the keratinous materials in or on the soil. Keratinous materials are insoluble and resistant to degradation by common proteinase enzymes. It is important to study the microorganism producers of such enzymes for use in the biotechnology industry. In order to present study, two isolates of fungi were evaluated to determine if they had the ability to degrade keratin as nutrient substrate. They were grown in an inundated culture medium containing poultry feathers. Among species, best keratin substrate degradation activity as well as keratinase enzyme activity was recorded in Arthoderma multifidium (KU578107) followed by Chrysosporium tropicum (KU578108) gradually leading manner day by days.