Isolation and characterization of a feather-degrading bacterium

Abstract:

[Objective] This study is aimed to isolate and characterize feather-degrading bacteria from soil, and to determine the optimal temperature and initial pH for growth and further to observe the dynamic of enzyme activity. [Methods] Serial dilution on agar plate and selective medium culture techniques were used for screening bacteria. Strain identification was based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence and Biolog analysis. Optimal growth con-ditions were measured by automated microbiology growth curve analyzer. The proteolytic ac-tivity assay was carried out to observe the dynamic of enzyme activity. [Results] A feather-degrading bacterial strain, designated as GIMN1.015, was isolated and screened from the soil mixed with feathers. The strain was preliminarily identified as a strain of the genus Sporosarcina. The optimal pH and temperature for growth were 9.0 and 30 °C, respectively. The peak value of proteolytic activity appeared at 96 h of incubation time. [Conclusion] Strain GIMN1.015 has the potential for the application of feather keratin sources. This is the first report on the feather degrading by Sporosarcina.