Optimization of cultural conditions for protease production by Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01

Abstract

Molasses was used as a sole carbon source for the protease production from Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01 in batch wise submerged condition. The bacterial culture was grown on mineral medium and maximum production was noted after 8 h of incubation. The effect of different variable such as carbon sources (0.5 and 1.0%), nitrogen sources (0.75), sodium chloride, potassium chloride, zinc chloride (0.5 - 3.0%), pH (3 - 12) and temperature (25 - 55°C) on the protease production was checked. The maximum enzyme production was noted when B. subtilis EFRL 01 was grown on mineral medium containing 1.0% molasses, 0.75% peptone and 2.0% sodium chloride when incubated at 45°C for 8 h with initial pH 8.5. The enzyme produced by B. subtilis is pH stable and thermostable, which can be utilized in local detergent and leather industry.

Key words: Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01, molasses, protease.