Volume : 13, Issue : 02, February – 2026

Title:

BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM GANGA RIVER SOIL EXHIBITING KERATINOLYTIC AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Authors :

R. Bhavana, P. Harshitha Sri, Y. Sri Vidhya, V. Divya, K. Pavani,Dr.A.L.T. Kalayani*, Dr.Y.A. Chowdary

Abstract :

The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of keratinase-producing bacteria from Ganga River soil exhibiting keratinolytic and antimicrobial activity. Keratin, a highly stable fibrous structural protein found in feathers, hair, and other keratinous wastes, is resistant to degradation due to strong disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Accumulation of keratin-rich wastes, particularly poultry feathers, poses significant environmental challenges. Soil samples collected from the Ganga River region were processed through serial dilution and cultured on nutrient agar for microbial isolation. Keratinase production was induced using feather-based fermentation media under optimized conditions of pH and temperature. Enzyme extraction was carried out through filtration and centrifugation, and keratin degradation was confirmed by Ninhydrin and Nessler’s reagent tests indicating amino acid release and ammonia production. Proteolytic activity was further validated using skim milk agar assay. The gradual increase in pH during incubation confirmed active keratin degradation. The findings suggest that bacteria isolated from Ganga River soil possess efficient keratinolytic potential and may serve as promising candidates for sustainable bioconversion of keratinous waste and potential antimicrobial applications.
Keywords: Keratinase, Ganga River Soil, Keratin Degradation, Antimicrobial Activity,skim milk activity

Cite This Article:

Please cite this article in press R. Bhavana et al., Bacteria Isolated From Ganga River Soil Exhibiting Keratinolytic And Antimicrobial Activity., Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2026; 13(02).

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