Chicken Feather Waste Valorization Into Nutritive Protein Hydrolysate: Role of Novel Thermostable Keratinase From Bacillus pacificus RSA27.

Microbial keratinases exhibit a momentous role in converting keratin biowastes into exceedingly valuable protein supplements. This study reports a novel, highly stable keratinase from Bacillus pacificus RSA27 for the production of pure peptides rich in essential amino acids from chicken feathers. Purified keratinase showed a specific activity of 38.73 U/mg, 2.58-fold purification, and molecular weight of 36 kDa. Kinetic studies using a chicken feather as substrate report K m and V max values of 5.69 mg/ml and 142.40 µg/ml/min, respectively, suggesting significant enzyme-substrate affinity/biocatalysis. Identification and in silico structural-functional analysis of keratinase discovered the presence of distinct amino acid residues and their positions. Besides, keratinase possesses a high-affinity calcium-binding site (Asp128, Leu162, Asn164, Ile166, and Val168) and a catalytic triad of Asp119, His151, and Ser308, known attributes of serine protease (subtilisin family). Furthermore, a scale-up to 5 L fermenter revealed complete feather hydrolysis (94.5%) within 24 h with high activity (789 U/ml) and total amino acid of 153.97 µmol/ml. Finally, cytotoxicity evaluation of protein hydrolysate resulted in negligible cytotoxic effects (1.02%) on the mammalian hepatoblastoma cell line, signifying its potential biotechnological applications.

An integrated surveillance network for antimicrobial resistance, India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the preparedness of veterinary laboratories in India to participate in an integrated antimicrobial resistance surveillance network and to address gaps in provision identified. METHODS: The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research collaborated: (i) to select eight nationally representative veterinary microbiology laboratories whose capacity for participating in an integrated antimicrobial resistance surveillance network would be assessed using a standardized tool; (ii) to identify gaps in provision from the assessment findings; and (iii) to develop a plan, and take the necessary steps to address these gaps in consultation with participating organizations. FINDINGS: The main gaps in provision identified were: (i) a lack of dedicated funding for antimicrobial resistance surveillance; (ii) the absence of standard guidelines for antimicrobial susceptibility testing; (iii) a shortage of reference strains for testing and quality assurance; and (iv) the absence of mechanisms for sharing data. We addressed these gaps by creating a veterinary standard operating procedure for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, by carrying out a validation exercise to identify problems with implementing the procedure and by conducting capacity-building workshops for veterinary laboratories. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial resistance surveillance networks depend on the availability of accurate, quality-controlled testing. The challenges identified in creating an integrated surveillance network for India can be overcome by developing a comprehensive plan for improving laboratory capacity in human, veterinary and environmental sectors that is supported by the necessary funds. The study's findings may provide guidance for other low- and middle-income countries planning to develop a similar network.