ALKALINE PROTEASE PRODUCTION BY THERMOPHILIC AND ALKALOPHILIC HALOTOLERANT BACILLUS SP. STRAIN TD : A PROMISING ENZYME PRODUCER FOR BIOTECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATION

Alkaline protease producing halotolerant bacteria were isolated from marine water, Gulf of Cambay, Gujarat. Isolates were screened for alkaline protease and potential enzyme producer was selected for further studies. Isolate was identified by biochemical test and identified as Bacillus sp. strain TD. Environmental conditions were optimized for higher enzyme production suggests that isolate was able to produce enzyme at 45 oC and at pH 11. Effect of NaCl indicates that organism was able to tolerate 0.5% NaCl. Effect of organic and iorganic nitrogen source suggests that cells produce higher enzyme in response to organic compounds than inorganic compounds. Enzyme was purified using Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. Molecular weight determined by gel electrophoresis showed it to be greater than 66KD.