Review article
https://doi.org/10.17113/ftb.56.03.18.5658
Microbial Keratinases: Enzymes with Promising Biotechnological Applications
Beti Vidmar
; Chair of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia
Maša Vodovnik
orcid.org/0000-0002-1189-2417
; Chair of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia
Abstract
Keratin is a complex and structurally stable protein found in human and animal hard tissues, such as feathers, wool, hair, hoof and nails. Some of these, like feathers and wool, represent one of the main sources of protein-rich waste with significant potential to be transformed into value-added products such as feed, fertilizers or bioenergy. A major limitation impeding valorization of keratinous substrates is their recalcitrant structure and resistance to hydrolysis by common proteases. However, specialized keratinolytic enzymes produced by some microorganisms can efficiently degrade these substrates. Keratinases have already found a purpose in pharmaceutical, textile and leather industries. However, their wider implementation in other processes, such as cost-effective (pre)treatment of poultry waste, still requires optimization of production and performance of the available enzymes. Here we present a comprehensive review covering molecular properties and characteristics of keratinases, their classification, traditional and novel approaches in discovery of novel enzymes, production, characterization, improvement and biotechnological applications.
Keywords
keratin; keratinase; waste degradation; keratinolytic microorganisms; biotechnological applications
Hrčak ID:
207617
URI
Publication date:
30.9.2018.
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