Understanding enzyme-mediated keratin hydrolysis and evaluation of new keratin binding peptides

ABSTRACT

Keratin is the main structural protein in hair, wool, nails, horns, and hooves. This study explored the potential of waste keratin as a resource for new products. Enzymatic hydrolysis was used to process keratin, and keratin powder was used as a support for biocatalysts fused with keratin-binding peptides. Various protease enzymes were effective for controlled keratin breakdown, and new keratin-binding peptides were identified and characterized. Industrial enzymes were fused with these peptides to bind to keratin powder, creating sustainable biocatalytic systems. These innovations open new possibilities for using keratin as a valuable resource.