Comparative analysis of keratinase production by Curvularia lunata and Chrysosporium tropicum under varying environmental conditions

Abstract

Keratinase enzymes have significant applications in biotechnological industries. This study compares keratinase production by Curvularia lunata and Chrysosporium tropicum under varying environmental conditions. Optimal keratinase activity was observed at 30 °C, pH 7.0, and 1.0% feather meal substrate concentration. Curvularia lunata exhibited higher enzyme activity than Chrysosporium tropicum, with maximum activity of 15.7 U/mL at 30 °C. Chrysosporium tropicum reached a peak activity of 14.3 U/mL under the same conditions. These findings suggest Curvularia lunata as a more efficient producer of keratinase, offering potential for enhanced industrial applications in waste management and leather processing. Further studies are needed to explore genetic and metabolic pathways to optimize production conditions.