Distribution Pattern of Keratinophilic Fungi in Different Ecological Conditions: A Review

Keratin, an insoluble protein with numerous disulphide bonds is highly resistant to proteases and serves as one of the major defiant pollutants. The keratinophilic fungi are known to use keratinous substances such as skin, hair, nail, fur and feather for their growth and survival. The biodegradation of keratin by microbes provides a medium to remove environmental contamination and is even considered as substitute to physical and chemical treatments. The keratinolytic potential of these fungi play an important role in decomposition of keratin. The present review highlights the role of various ecological factors on the distribution pattern of keratinophilic fungi. Also, the effect of various biotic and abiotic factors on their growth is discussed. Among biotic factors growth is largely dependent on the presence of humans, birds, animals and abiotic factors include temperature, pH, humidity, organic matter in soil. Further, the potential keratinous substrates such as hairs, feathers, pellets are also described. Study of keratinophilic fungi is important as they have application in industrial sector. Further, isolation of keratinases is also helpful in pharmaceutical and leather industry. Biotechnological uses of these fungi help in cleaning the environmental waste. This review may help as a guide to use the keratinases at industrial level that is to extend the laboratory research to industrial level.