Production, optimization and partial purification of protease from Bacillus subtilis

Proteases have characteristics of biotechnological interest and have thus become important industrial enzymes. We report the production of thermostable protease and its characterization in Bacillus species, which is a thermotolerant bacterium; Bacillus subtilis is widely used for isolating protease enzyme. Gelatin was used as the substrate in nutrient agar medium for screening and showed the maximum zone of activity (22 mm) after overnight incubation and addition of the indicator. Under submerged fermentation conditions, a high level of protease production was found at 45 °C after 36 h at pH 10, with continuous agitation (180 rpm). The presence of galactose and peptone in the medium enhanced enzyme production by 0.5% when compared with other carbon and nitrogen sources. Thus, such additions can augment protease production and their application in various industries.