Study Of Keratinases Produced By Bacillus Spp.

The aim of the present study was to isolate keratinolytic bacteria from the soil samples collected from poultry farm yard and dumping site of poultry waste areas in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Total eighteen keratinolytic bacteria were isolated from the samples. Among the bacterial isolates, two isolates showed the highest keratinolytic activity and were identified as Bacillus spp (Bacillus brevis and Bacillus cereus) by microscopic and biochemical experiments. Subsequently, keratinase production was optimized in liquid media and then crude enzymes were partially characterized. Complete degradation of chicken feather in liquid medium was observed by the isolates itself after 3 days of incubation.