Keratins are the most abundant proteins in epithelial cells of vertebrates and represent the major constituents of skin and appendages like nail, hair, feather and wool. The production of keratinase enzyme from microorganisms can degrade pathogenic keratin present in wastes. Hence,the study was designed to identify the pathogenic keratin present in chick feather and can be degraded by using keratinase enzyme produced from actinomycetes, Streptomyces sp. to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, the utilization of keratinolytic enzyme might contribute to the production of high quality leather, also resulting in the improvement of waste water quality and reduced pollution.

-Dr.Jayalakshmi Tamilarasu, M.sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., working as an Associate Professor in the department of Bioinformatics and Genetic Engineering, Bharath University, Selaiyur, Chennai. -Dr.P.Krishnamoorthy, Ph.D., working as Dean-Bioengineering, Bharath University, Selaiyur, Chennai. -Dr.P.Sivamani,Ph.D., Director, Microlabs, Vellore.