INFLUENCE OF CULTURE CONDITIONS ON PRODUCTION AND ACTIVITY OF PROTEASE FROM BACILLUS SUBTILIS BS1

Bacillus subtilis BS1 was used in the present study for the production of protease. For protease production optimum pH and temperature were found to be 11 and 50˚C, respectively. Soybean (197 PU/mg) and casein (168 PU/mg) proved as the best substrates for the production of enzyme. Maximum production of protease (126 and 121 PU/mg) was shown in 1.5 and 4.5 % of Sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, respectively. Maximum activity was observed at pH 9 at 90ºC, in crude extract, after 20 minutes of incubation. EDTA slightly enhanced proteolytic activity, whereas, Na, K, Ca, Li, Mg, Cu and Fe inhibited the activity of protease. Due to maximum production of protease in the presence of cheaper, low concentrations of substrate and stability at alkaline pH, high temperature and salt-tolerance, these characteristics makes the strain and its enzymes usefull in different industries