Keratinase (Subtilisin) CAS 9014-01-1

Why Choose This Keratinase

Keratin is a tough, disulfide-crosslinked structural protein found in feathers, hair, wool and hooves. Standard industrial proteases only break down soluble globular proteins, and have very limited effect on compact keratin layers. This subtilisin-type keratinase is bred and produced to target keratin structures specifically — it hydrolyzes peptide bonds inside keratin fibers, and works alongside mild reducing agents to loosen crosslinks, delivering thorough degradation under moderate temperature and alkaline pH conditions.

For industrial users, this enzyme offers a bio-based alternative to harsh chemical treatments in leather and textile processing, cutting wastewater treatment costs and reducing energy use. In animal feed, it unlocks protein value from low-cost keratin-rich byproducts that would otherwise pass undigested through animals. UATChem controls fermentation and downstream processing to keep activity within ±5% of labeled value per batch, so you get consistent performance across production runs. Both powder and stabilized liquid grades are available to fit different manufacturing workflows.

Key Use Cases

Animal feed & nutrition
Added to poultry, aquaculture and swine feed to upgrade keratin-rich ingredients like feather meal and hair meal. It breaks down compact keratin into absorbable peptides, improves crude protein digestibility, and supports growth performance and feed conversion ratio. It also fits well into antibiotic-free feeding programs as a functional digestive aid.

Leather beamhouse processing
Used as a bio-based unhairing aid to replace part of the sodium sulfide and lime used in traditional tanning. It loosens hair follicles at the root without damaging hide collagen, improves grain smoothness of finished leather, cuts sulfide levels in wastewater and helps facilities meet tighter environmental standards.

Hair & scalp care products
Incorporated into mild shampoos, scalp treatments and anti-frizz formulations. It breaks down damaged keratin on hair cuticles and dissolves scalp buildup, smoothing split ends and reducing flaking without stripping hair of its natural protective oils.

Textile & industrial laundry
Applied in wool and silk processing to remove protein-based sizing and surface contaminants. It also boosts protein stain removal in industrial laundry detergents, working effectively at moderate wash temperatures to reduce energy use and fiber damage.

Quality Specifications

Packaging, Storage & Handling Notes

Store powder grades in sealed, moisture-proof packaging at 2–8 °C. Keep stabilized liquid formulations below 25 °C. Protect all grades from direct sunlight, high heat and strong oxidizing agents. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles for liquid products, as this will reduce activity over time.

Enzyme dust may irritate the respiratory tract and skin in sensitive individuals. Wear N95 dust masks, nitrile gloves and safety goggles when handling bulk powder. Use local exhaust ventilation where possible to keep airborne dust within safe limits.

UATChem offers this product in 1 kg aluminum foil bags, 25 kg fiber drums and 200 kg IBC totes. Custom packaging and custom activity grades are available on request. The material is classified as Non-DG for standard ocean freight, and shipped with temperature-managed packaging to preserve activity. Check activity and moisture content on receipt to confirm it meets labeled specifications.

Common Questions

Q: How is this keratinase different from regular subtilisin protease?

A: Regular subtilisin works well on soluble proteins but cannot efficiently break down dense, crosslinked keratin. This keratinase comes from selected bacterial strains and targets keratin structure specifically, delivering much higher degradation efficiency on keratin-rich substrates.

Q: Will feed pelleting heat reduce enzyme activity?

A: Short exposure to standard pelleting temperatures (≤ 85 °C) causes minimal activity loss. For high-temperature pelleting above 90 °C, we recommend coated grades or post-pelleting spray application to retain activity.

Q: Should I choose powder or liquid grade for my production?

A: Powder works best for dry premixes, solid feed and products needing long shelf life. Liquid grades are easier to dose into continuous liquid processes, leather processing baths and detergent formulations. Contact our team if you need help selecting the right grade.