Biodegradation of Feather by Microsporum fulvum Singly or in Combination with Other Fungi

Ajay Kumar, Charu Singh, Praga

Abstract

The course of feather degradation by Microsporum fulvum singly and in combination with Chrysosporium tropicum, C. vallenarense, C. quenslandicum and Microsporum boullardii was studied by measuring protein, amino acids, keratinase enzyme released in the culture medium and weight loss of feather by M. fulvum and the effect of addition of M. fulvum on continued degradation of feather by C. tropicum, C. vallenarense, C. quenslandicum and M. boullardii were also studied. The synergistic action of M. fulvum and C. tropicum on feather degradation was found to be more effective. The biodegradation ability of M. fulvum can be effective by C. tropicum and C. vallenarense if the latter fungi join midway of keratinolysis. M. fulvum was also effective on the biodegradation ability of C. tropicum. M. fulvum did not act as follower fungus in wool degradation.

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