CRUI: Keratinase-Producing Microflora from Feathers

CRUI：羽毛中产生角蛋白酶的微生物群

• 批准号: 9510223
• 负责人: Edward Burtt, Jr.
• 金额: $ 80.32万
• 依托单位: Ohio Wesleyan University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 1995
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 1995-09-15 至 1999-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=9510223&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: CRUI; Keratinase; Producing; Microflora; Feathers

This project is for Collaborative Research at Undergraduate Institutions, involving zoology, microbiology, physics, and chemistry. There are strains of bacteria found in wild birds that produce an enzyme called keratinase, which degrades feathers. This project investigates the microbial ecology of the bacteria, including the interactions with other microbes that occur on the feathers, determines quantitative rates of feather degradation, and compares the molecular structures and specificity of keratinases from different bacterial strains. The project also explores potential agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications for the enzyme. Keratin is a tough structural protein found in feathers and hair. A keratin-digesting enzyme could be used not only to help dispose of the feather waste from the poultry industry, but could be used to increase production of commercial animal food from feather meal. The keratinase from bird bacteria selectively degrades feathers, but leaves hair and wool intact, making it an attractive model for an enzymatic cleaner that could clean but not damage woolen products. This work has a potential impact on a range of fields including ecology, microbiology, zoology, and chemistry, and promises a novel cross-disciplinary experience involving undergraduates in interesting research with both basic and applied aspects.

该项目是本科院校的合作研究，涉及动物学、微生物学、物理和化学。 在野生鸟类中发现了一些细菌菌株，它们会产生一种叫做角蛋白酶的酶，这种酶可以降解羽毛。 该项目研究细菌的微生物生态，包括与羽毛上发生的其他微生物的相互作用，确定羽毛降解的定量速率，并比较来自不同细菌菌株的角蛋白酶的分子结构和特异性。 该项目还探索了该酶在农业、环境和工业方面的潜在应用。 角蛋白是羽毛和头发中发现的一种坚韧的结构蛋白。 角蛋白消化酶不仅可用于帮助处理家禽业的羽毛废物，还可用于增加羽毛粉商业动物食品的产量。 来自鸟类细菌的角蛋白酶选择性地降解羽毛，但使头发和羊毛保持完整，使其成为一种有吸引力的酶清洁剂模型，可以清洁但不会损坏羊毛产品。 这项工作对生态学、微生物学、动物学和化学等一系列领域具有潜在影响，并有望为本科生提供新颖的跨学科体验，让他们参与基础和应用方面的有趣研究。