Native Bacterial Isolates

Microbial keratinase mediated biodegradation of keratin rich wastes such as chicken feathers, nails, hairs and wool, is an environmentally-friendly process, which converts profuse waste into low-cost, nutrient-rich materials such as biofertilizer and animal feed. In the present paper soil samples collected from different poultry farms located in Bikaner were screened for keratinase production. The investigation resulted in isolation of 96 bacterial isolates, out of which 15 were confirmed keratianse producers as determined by their hydrolytic activity on Keratin Powder (KP) agar medium. On the basis of higher keratinase activity (11.6 U/ml) bacterial isolate S-5 was selected and evaluated for detergent stability and wash performance. The bacterium was identified as a strain of Bacillus tequilensis. This keratinase was stable in different detergents and exhibited potential to remove coffee and blood stains from cotton fabrics when used alone. However, better stain removal was observed when it was used along with 0.2 % detergent solution.