This invention discloses a highly efficient
serine protease for degrading β-
keratin, its degradation method, and its applications. The
serine protease is named LteKerS, and its
amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID No. 2, while the corresponding coding
gene sequence is shown in SEQ ID No. 1. The
amino acid sequence of the recombinant
serine protease rLteKerS, which has its N-terminal
signal peptide removed and has a purification tag at its C-terminus, is shown in SEQ ID No. 4, while the corresponding coding
gene sequence is shown in SEQ ID No. 3. The recombinant
serine protease rLteKerS can efficiently degrade β-
keratin under alkaline conditions, directly acting on intact feathers. The
reaction conditions are mild, requiring no high temperature,
high pressure, or complex pretreatment. The degradation products are soluble proteins and peptides, which can be used as high-value-added
amino acid raw materials,
functional peptide raw materials, biodegradable materials, bio-based material precursors, bio-feed proteins, fertilizers, etc. It is suitable for the large-scale
processing of by-products such as poultry feathers and has good industrial application prospects.