Purification and characterization of SDS stable protease from Bacillus safensis strain CK

Proteases are widely used in chemical, medical and food industries. Microbial proteases play an important role in the cellular metabolic processes and have gained considerable attention by industrial communities. Hence, in the present work we have identified and investigated role of novel Bacillus safensis strain CK to produce an extracellular protease. The isolated protease was purified by Diethyl amino ethane (DEAE) cellulose column chromatography with 7 fold purity and 8.2% yield. Molecular weight of the protease estimated to be around 40 kDa and showed activity over a wide range of pH, from neutral to alkaline. The purified protease showed 100% and 92% stability in presence of 1% Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and commercial detergent respectively. Thus, B. safensis strain CK has potential to produce an extracellular protease, active at neutral and alkaline pH. This protease may be useful in various industrial processes.