Potential use of wool-associated Bacillus species for biodegradation of keratinous materials

Five wool-degrading bacterial strains were selected from a set of 115 isolates from a less conventional source, i.e., the wool of Portuguese Merino sheep, based on their promising keratinolytic abilities. All selected strains belong to the genus Bacillus, probably Bacillus subtilis/. licheniformis, according to 16S rRNA sequencing. They were able to grow on and hydrolyse feathers and wool (in both native and milled forms), and human hair and nails to a lesser extent. The maximum keratinase activity was recorded on milled chicken feathers. Biodegradation of such keratin-rich matrices increased the amount of soluble proteins in the fermentation broth and implied the action of extracellular enzymes from those adventitious microorganisms. Therefore, such novel strains have a potential for effective use in solid waste management strategies encompassing keratin-rich materials based on submerged fermentation. Concomitantly, the nutritional value of the broth may be improved for eventual formulation of animal feed.