INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Volume 14, No. 07, Month DECEMBER, Year 2018, Pages 1787 - 1800

Isolation and characterization of keratinolytic bacteria from soil samples of poultry waste dumping sites

Reyes, A., Ambita, I. D., Batalon, J. L., Aba, B. L., Cortes, A., Macabecha, C. G. and Montecillo, A.

Abstract Download PDF

The keratinolytic bacteria isolated from soil samples which containing the degrading feathers was investigated. Thirteen bacterial isolates were selected and were subjected to preliminary screening through protease assay using Milk Agar Medium. Six isolates were detected positive for protease activity and were further characterized via biochemical and microscopic assays. Isolates were grown in basal medium containing feathers as sole nutrient source and the degree of feather degradation was monitored. Two isolates exhibited conspicuous keratinase activity. DNA from these two candidate organisms were isolated and subjected to PCR using 16S rRNA specific primers. PCR products were sequenced and analysis revealed that both of them belong to Bacillus cereus species. Isolation of potential keratinolytic microorganisms could have potential biotechnological used especially in processes which involved keratin hyrdolysis.

Keywords

Keratinolytic bacteria, soil, biochemical assays, Bacillus cereaus, 16S rRNA

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