Production of Peptone From Chicken Feathers

Abstract

Abstract—Peptones are the product of a protein hydrolysis, which serve as the main nutrient source for bacteria in a culture media.  This study aimed to provide a locally feasible process for peptone production.  Optimization results for Phase 1 showed that a temperature of 90°C, a digestion time of 4 hours, and a ratio of 0.06 g feathers/mL produced a yield of 50.6%.  Statistical analysis showed that E. coli growth on the laboratory-produced peptone is significantly greater than the growth realized on commercial peptone and plate count agar.  B. cereus growth on laboratory-produced peptone, however, was significantly lower than the growth on commercial peptone and plate count agar.  Purification, drying, and characterization techniques were integrated into the existing process for Phase 2 to obtain peptones with better commercial quality.  The maximum yield obtained was 30 g peptone per 100 g feathers. Freeze-dried powders from the purified hydrolysates had reduced odor and moisture as compared to the vacuum dried peptone. The vacuum-filtered batch also approximated the physical characteristics of the standard peptone hydrolysate.  Performance testing for Phase 2 showed increased support for bacterial growth.

Keywords— Chicken Feathers, Peptone Production, Nutrient Media