Production, Purification, and Characterization of an Industrially Important Enzyme Alkaline Protease Produced from Locally Isolated <i>Bacillus</i> Bacteria

Abstract

The worldwide demand for industrially essential enzymes is growing due to their eco-friendly and sustainable applications in broad industrial sectors. The main objective of this investigation is intended to isolate potent alkalophilic native bacteria from local habitats for the cost-effective production of an enzyme alkaline protease. For screening of alkalophilic bacteria, bacterial samples were taken from various natural alkaline habitats, and bacterial cultures were screened on agar plate having skimmed milk as protein substrate by using the protein hydrolysis method. The bacteria showing maximum proteolytic potential were identified by microscopic, biochemical, and 16S rDNA analysis. Additionally, the culture components and other medium parameters have been optimized for higher enzyme production. High yield alkaline protease was obtained with conditions of 1% inoculum, pH 9.0, and at 37°C temperature, with 1% sugarcane molasses as the best suitable carbon substrate. Partial pur¬ification of the enzyme was performed and characterized for their optimum activity on various parameters (temperatures and pH range). The approx. molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be ~35 kDa. This study demonstrates the production of an industrially important enzyme (alkaline protease) from a newly isolated native Bacillus spp. Economical production of this enzyme can be commercially applied in vast industrial sectors like agriculture, textile, food, detergent, and leather industries.