Production and immobilization of alkaline protease by Bacillus polymyxa which degrades various proteins

Abstract

An aerobic gram positive spore forming bacterium, identified as Bacillus polymyxa was isolated from an alkaline soil. This isolated Bacillus produced maximum protease in milk at pH 7. The protease activity against casein was 580 Uml− 1 in milk, as the only source of carbon and energy. However, the maximum activity of protease on sorghums extracts, as the only carbon source was 525 Uml− 1. The best pH for enzyme production was 7, but the enzyme was active at pH 11. It was shown that the enzyme was stable at 55°C for 10 min. The imobilized enzyme with perlite was stable for more than 6 months. This enzyme hydrolyzed casein, gelatin and fibres. Hence it could be used in wastewater treatment, detergents and leathering.