Keratinophilic Fungi as Eco-Friendly Agents for Poultry Waste Biodegradation: Mechanisms, Applications, and Sustainable Management Strategies: Keratinophilic Fungi as Eco-Friendly Agents for Poultry Waste Biodegradation

Tehmina Bashir; Tahir Hussain; . Alamgir; Adnan Mehmood; Aijaz Ali Kaleri; Hira Ilyas

doi:10.54393/fbt.v5i4.186

Authors

Tehmina Bashir Department of Botany, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
Tahir Hussain Department of Management Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi, Pakistan
. Alamgir Department of Health Sciences, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan
Adnan Mehmood Department of Microbiology, Gulab Devi Educational Complex, Lahore, Pakistan
Aijaz Ali Kaleri Department of Health Sciences, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan
Hira Ilyas Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/fbt.v5i4.186

Keywords:

Biodegradation, Poultry Waste, Sustainable Management, Keratinophilic Fungi

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the poultry industry has resulted in the accumulation of large quantities of keratin-rich waste such as feathers, nails, and skin, which pose significant environmental challenges due to their recalcitrant nature. Conventional disposal methods, including incineration and chemical treatment, are energy-intensive and potentially harmful to ecosystems. Keratinophilic fungi offer an eco-friendly alternative through their ability to produce keratinase enzymes that degrade insoluble keratin into valuable amino acids and peptides. This study investigates the biodegradation potential of keratinophilic fungi isolated from poultry waste, focusing on their keratinase production, activity, and potential applications in sustainable waste management. The findings highlight promising fungal strains capable of efficient keratin degradation, underscoring their potential role in circular bioeconomy strategies and industrial applications such as animal feed production, fertilizer formulation, and leather processing.

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