Abstract

NOVEL APPROACHES IN KERATIN EXTRACTION AND FUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS

A. L. T. Kalyani*, T. Sri Nikitha, S. Tejaswini, U. Veda Sai Manogna, P. Lakshmi Soujanya and V. Satya Priya

ABSTRACT

Keratin is a crucial structural protein found abundantly in nature, particularly in hard tissues such as feathers, hair, wool, and nails, where it forms a protective barrier. The resilient structure of keratin, stabilized by disulfide and hydrogen bonds, renders it resistant to degradation by common proteases, making its extraction a challenging process. This review explores various methods of keratin extraction, including chemical, physical, and biological techniques, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and cost-effective approaches. The study also highlights the potential of microbial degradation of keratinous wastes, particularly poultry feathers, as a sustainable method for converting these wastes into valuable products such as animal feeds, bio-fertilizers, and other industrial applications. The enzymatic hydrolysis of keratin using keratinases—proteolytic enzymes produced by microorganisms like Bacillus species—emerges as a promising alternative to traditional chemical methods, offering a more efficient and eco-friendly solution. Furthermore, the document discusses the structural characteristics and functions of keratin, particularly in human hair, and examines the role of keratin in wound healing and hair regeneration, suggesting potential applications in regenerative medicine.

Keywords: Earnings Per Share (EPS), Return on Equity (ROE), Market Capitalization, Revenue Growth, Debt-to-Equity Ratio (D/E Ratio).