The book aims at providing overview of keratinases and its applications. In view of increasing world population and limited resources, recycling of wastes like keratin which is rich in protein is very important. Bioremediation of this cheap and readily available waste and its reutilization has both ecological and economic value.Application of keratinase to feather processing has several benefits. Bioconversion using keratinase results in production of structurally modified feather keratin that is less resistant to attack by other digestive enzymes. Secondly, significant nutritional enrichment of the feather meal may be achieved in addition, due to the addition of microbial protein biomass that serves as complementary additive value. Thirdly, increased levels of feed- grade lysine and other amino acids can be targeted in biologically treated FM by supplementing with additional microorganism that can produce amino acid by fermentation also. Biological conversion of feather into feather meal is thus now seriously considered as a source for production of high value dietary proteins. Another important emerging application of keratinase is as feed supplement.

Dr.Ch.M.Kumari Chitturi working as Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Microbiology and Biochemistry, Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalaym(Women's University), Tirupati, A.P. Having 17 years of Teaching and Research experience. Published 20 research articles in reputed National and International journals.