<![CDATA[Chicken feather waste is a major environmental issue in Indonesia, with an estimated 189 million kg generated by 2024 due to high poultry consumption. Composed of approximately 90% keratin, chicken feathers represent a promising substrate for bioconversion into value-added products using keratinase. This study aimed to optimize keratinase production and characterize the enzyme produced by two indigenous bacterial isolates, MSF6 and MSF11, obtained from chicken slaughterhouse soil. Laboratory experiments included the optimization of fermentation conditions (pH and temperature), enzyme activity assays, and feather degradation tests. Optimal enzyme production was achieved at pH 9 and 37°C, whereas maximum enzyme activity was observed at pH 10 and 62°C. The combined keratinase preparation (MSF6 = 3:2) exhibited the highest degradation efficiency, yielding 277.62 µg/mL of soluble protein and a 17% reduction in feather weight. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous bacteria for the sustainable management and valorization of chicken feather waste.]]>
Copyrights © 2025
