keratinophilic
/ˌkɛrətɪnoʊˈfɪlɪk/
adjective
- Relating to or describing an organism, especially a fungus, that grows on or feeds on keratin (a protein found in skin, hair, and nails).
- Some keratinophilic species are harmless, while others can cause infections in humans and animals.
- The lab identified a keratinophilic fungus in the sample from the patient's scalp.
- Researchers study keratinophilic organisms to understand how they break down tough proteins.