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

• Main Authors: Reyes, Alvin, Ambita, Israel Dave, Batalon, J.L., Aba, B.L, Cortes, Angelbert, Macabecha, Cherray Gabrielle, Montecillo, Andrew D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Soil microbiology; Poultry—Manure—Microbiology; Bacillus cereus; Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/11242
• Institution: De La Salle University

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.