Thermostable &#945-amylase production by Bacillus firmus CAS 7 using potato peel as a substrate

Thermostable alkaline α-amylase producing bacterium Bacillus firmus CAS 7 strain isolated from marine sediment of Parangipettai coast grew maximally in both shake flasks. Potato peel was found to be a superior substrate for the production of α-amylase at 35°C, pH 7.5 and 1.0% of substrate concentrations. Under optimal conditions, B. firmus produced 676 U/ml of -amylase which was optimally active at 50°C and pH 9.0.Key words: α-Amylase, potato peel substrate, Bacillus firmus CAS 7, thermostable, marine