Transforming waste into wealth: innovative bioconversion of keratin-rich by-products for sustainable industrial applications

Abstract

Keratin-rich by-products from the livestock industry, such as feathers, hair, and nails, present significant environmental challenges due to their resistance to degradation. Traditional disposal methods often exacerbate ecological issues, highlighting the need for more sustainable alternatives. This review explores innovative microbial bioconversion techniques using keratinolytic microorganisms to efficiently degrade keratin waste. These biological methods not only reduce environmental harm but also convert waste into valuable products, such as bioactive peptides and amino acids, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and even biofuels. The potential of microbial keratinases to revolutionize waste management by supporting a circular economy and promoting sustainability in various sectors. Moreover, the article explores keratin structure and the mechanisms of microbial degradation, focusing on the enzyme-driven processes that transform waste into high-value industrial products. Through a deeper understanding of these biological pathways, this study advocates for microbial bioconversion as a viable solution to current waste management challenges, offering significant industrial, environmental, and economic benefits.

Keywords

Keratin / Keratinases / Proteases / Sustainability / Biological Sciences / Microbiology / Engineering / Environmental Engineering

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