Keratinase

The Uses of Keratinase

Keratinase is used in the dehairing of hides and skins:In depilatory compositions for human use: Mattin, Greenstein, US 2988485 (1961 to Mearl).

The Uses of Keratinase

Keratinase may be used for enzymatic treatment of elementary body (EB), GAG molecules, and cells in the study of the role glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the invasion of host cells by Chlamydia pneumoniae strains.

General Description

Keratinase is also metalloprotease present in bacteria as well as eukaryotes. Keratinase isolated from Bacilus licheniformis culture is a monomeric enzyme.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Keratinase is a particular class of extracellular proteolytic inducible enzyme with the capability of degrading insoluble keratin substrates. It is important for hydrolyzing hair, feather, and collagen in sewage system during waste water treatment. It is also useful in food industry, animal feed preparation etc. Insoluble feather keratin from poultry industry may be converted by enzymatic hydrolysis to glues, feedstuffs, fertilizers, films or used for the production of rare amino acids serine, cysteine and proline.