Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of twenty two different alkalophilic fungal isolates to produce alkaline keratinase using a keratin-salt agar medium (pH 9.0) containing white chicken feathers. Cochliobolus hawaiiensis AUMC 8606 was selected as the most potent fungal strain for the highest enzyme production under solid state fermentation using chicken feathers moistened with salt basal medium in the ratio (1: 2, w/v). Maximum alkaline keratinase production was achieved at initial moist content 82%, incubation period 15 days at 30 degrees C and initial pH 9.5. Addition of glucose (1%, v/v) supported maximum keratinase production. Contrarily, the supplementation of medium with organic or inorganic nitrogen sources decreased the production of alkaline keratinase. The crude keratinase from C. hawaiiensis AUMC 8606 could potentially be used in the hide unhairing process without any lime and sulphide addition. Depending on the analytical measurements and microscopical observations, the enzymatic unhaired skins by this fungal preparation was successfully processed.