Keratinophilic Fungi: Diversity, Environmental and Biotechnological Implications

Keratinophilic fungi colonize keratinous substrates and convert them to the constituent components of low molecular weight. These fungi can be distinguished from others in their characteristic that they are adapted to consumption of keratinous proteins as sources of carbon and nitrogen. These tend to utilize proteins, peptides, and amino acids as carbon sources even in the presence of sugars. They also exhibit a great diversity in their mode of nutrition and physiology. This chapter critically reviews not only the distribution of keratinophilic fungi but also their social and environmental implications. Recycling of keratin contributes to nutrients in soils, pollution control, and solid waste management.