What is Keratinase Subtilisin CAS 9014-01-1?

Keratinase (Subtilisin), CAS 9014-01-1, is a serine protease enzyme that can hydrolyze keratin-containing proteins such as feathers and hair. It is produced by microbial fermentation and is also known as subtilisin, alkaline protease, or keratinolytic protease.

What pH and temperature are best for Keratinase?

Industrial keratinase/subtilisin grades usually work best in neutral to alkaline conditions, often around pH 7.0-10.5, and at temperatures of roughly 40-60 C. Exact optima vary by strain, formulation, and substrate.

Does Keratinase remain active during feed pelleting?

Standard enzyme powders or liquids can lose activity above about 60-70 C. For high-temperature feed conditioning and pelleting, heat-stable or microencapsulated grades are usually selected to survive the thermal step.

Can Keratinase replace sodium sulfide in leather unhairing?

It can reduce or partially replace sodium sulfide by selectively attacking keratin at the hair root while preserving collagen. The exact replacement level depends on hide type and process conditions, so it is usually optimized within a lower-sulfide unhairing system.

What are the main industrial uses of Keratinase?

Common uses include leather unhairing, hydrolysis of feathers and keratin-rich by-products, animal-feed protein digestibility, and alkaline protease applications in cleaning or waste processing. The right activity and formulation depend on the target substrate.

Keratinase (Subtilisin) CAS 9014-01-1

Keratinase CAS 9014-01-1 is a specific proteolytic enzyme class chemically identified within the Subtilisin family, functioning primarily as a biocatalyst for the hydrolysis of insoluble keratin proteins. Sourced typically from microbial fermentation (such as Bacillus strains), this enzymatic protein is utilized to degrade tough keratinous structures in feather meal processing and serves as an eco-friendly unhairing agent in leather tanning operations.We provide professional access to this material with competitive factory pricing and the ability to meet customized specifications(activity levels like 10,000 U/g to 100,000 U/g) for various manufacturing requirements. Our commitment to technical transparency ensures that every shipment is accompanied by comprehensive MSDS, TDS, COA documentation to support your quality assurance protocols, and we maintain capacity for consistent bulk supply to facilitate large-scale industrial operations.

CAS: 9014-01-1
Synonyms: Subtilisin, Keratinolytic protease, Bacillus subtilis protease, Endopeptidase K, Proteinase
Einecs: 232-752-2
Grade: feed additives
Package: 25kg/bag (Plastic woven bag with PE liner) or 500kg/1000kg Jumbo Bag.

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Product Description

1 Physical & Chemical Properties

2 Key Application Fields

3 Safety and Precautionary Measures

4 Storage and Stability

Physical & Chemical Properties

Enzymes are sensitive biological tools. To get the best results, you need to know the environment in which they thrive. Below are the typical characteristics of our industrial-grade Keratinase.

Property	Specification
Product Name	Keratinase
CAS Number	9014-01-1
Appearance	Light Yellow to Brown Powder (or Liquid)
Source	Microbial Fermentation (e.g., Bacillus strains)
Solubility	Soluble in water
Optimum pH	Typically 7.0 – 10.5 (Neutral to Alkaline)
Optimum Temperature	40°C – 60°C
Enzyme Activity	Customizable (e.g., 50,000 U/g – 100,000 U/g)
Odor	Slight fermentation odor

Key Application Fields

Keratinase is not a “one-size-fits-all” chemical; it is a specialized tool used to add value in specific industries.

1. Leather Tanning (Eco-Friendly Unhairing) This is one of the most valuable applications. Traditional unhairing uses large amounts of sodium sulfide and lime, which damages the environment and the leather grain.

Benefit: Keratinase selectively hydrolyzes the hair root without damaging the collagen of the skin. This results in smoother, higher-quality leather and a drastic reduction in wastewater pollution (BOD/COD).

2. Animal Feed Industry (Feather Meal) Poultry feathers are almost 90% keratin but are indigestible in their raw form.

Benefit: By treating feathers with Keratinase, the tough keratin structure is broken down into soluble proteins and amino acids. This turns waste into a highly digestible, high-protein additive for livestock and aquaculture feed.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Keratin makes up the outer layer of human skin.

Benefit: In skin care, Keratinase acts as a biological exfoliant. It gently digests dead skin cells (which are keratinized) without the irritation often caused by acid peels or physical scrubs, leaving skin soft and smooth.

4. Textile Processing (Wool & Silk) Used for the anti-felting treatment of wool and the degumming of silk, improving the handle and softness of the final fabric.

Safety and Precautionary Measures

While Keratinase is a biodegradable protein and eco-friendly, it is still a concentrated industrial enzyme and requires proper handling.

Inhalation Risk: Enzyme dust can cause sensitization (allergies) or respiratory irritation if inhaled over long periods. Always avoid generating dust.
PPE: Operators should wear dust masks (N95 or P2), safety glasses, and gloves.
Skin/Eye Contact: Enzymes can irritate moist skin and eyes. If contact occurs, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.

Storage and Stability

Enzymes are biologically active; if you treat them poorly, they “die” (lose activity).

Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, temperatures below 25°C are recommended. Refrigeration (4-10°C) significantly extends shelf life.
Avoid Heat: Do not leave drums in direct sunlight or near heat sources. High temperatures will denature the enzyme and destroy its effectiveness.
Moisture: Keep containers tightly sealed. Moisture can cause the powder to cake and degrade microbial stability.
Shelf Life: Typically 6-12 months depending on storage conditions.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Keratinase Subtilisin CAS 9014-01-1?

A: Keratinase (Subtilisin), CAS 9014-01-1, is a serine protease enzyme that can hydrolyze keratin-containing proteins such as feathers and hair. It is produced by microbial fermentation and is also known as subtilisin, alkaline protease, or keratinolytic protease.
Q:
What pH and temperature are best for Keratinase?

A: Industrial keratinase/subtilisin grades usually work best in neutral to alkaline conditions, often around pH 7.0-10.5, and at temperatures of roughly 40-60 C. Exact optima vary by strain, formulation, and substrate.
Q:
Does Keratinase remain active during feed pelleting?

A: Standard enzyme powders or liquids can lose activity above about 60-70 C. For high-temperature feed conditioning and pelleting, heat-stable or microencapsulated grades are usually selected to survive the thermal step.
Q:
Can Keratinase replace sodium sulfide in leather unhairing?

A: It can reduce or partially replace sodium sulfide by selectively attacking keratin at the hair root while preserving collagen. The exact replacement level depends on hide type and process conditions, so it is usually optimized within a lower-sulfide unhairing system.
Q:
What are the main industrial uses of Keratinase?

A: Common uses include leather unhairing, hydrolysis of feathers and keratin-rich by-products, animal-feed protein digestibility, and alkaline protease applications in cleaning or waste processing. The right activity and formulation depend on the target substrate.

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