Keratinase a Feather Degrading Enzyme Useful for Mosquito Control

‘Keratin' is the major structural protein present in animal feathers, hair, wool, horn and skin. Feather includes above 90% of crude protein in the form of keratin[1]. The mechanical strength of the keratin by the tight packaging of proteins in α-helix or β-sheet (α-keratin or β-keratin respectively) structures and their high level of cross-linkages by hydrogen and disulfide bonds[2]. Feather waste represents a potential protein alternative to more expensive dietary ingredients for animal feed[3]. But some keratinase producing microorganisms are converted native keratin to smaller molecular entities and consequently that can utilizes nutrient sources for the growth of bacteria[4]. In recent years, there have been several reports on the purification of Keratinase from diverse microorganisms[5]. Therefore, there is urgent requirement to find out novel enzyme which is having the ability to degrade keratin containing substrate from various sources such as poultry form and leather industries and develop enzyme purification methods. It is vital role to improve the non-polluting practice[6].