Purification and partial characterization of two extracellular keratinases of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis

Two extracellular keratinases of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were purified and partially characterized. The enzymes were isolated by the techniques of gel filtration chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). These keratinases (K I & K II) were purified approximately 33 and 29 fold, respectively. SDS-PAGE of the products of gel filtration chromatography (K I & II) produced only one band each, suggesting homogeneity. The optimum pH for both keratinases was 7.8, while the optimum temperatures were 40 degrees C (K I) and 35 degrees C (K II). Estimated molecular weights were 40-45 KDa and 24-29 KDa for K I & K II respectively. Both keratinases were inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride which suggests a serine residue at or near an active site.