African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (7), pp. 724-726, July 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Optimization of thermostable alkaline protease production from species of Bacillus using rice bran

Krishna Suresh Babu Naidu, Kodidhela Lakshmi Devi*

Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India.

*Corresponding author. Tel: +91-08554-255761; Fax:+91-08554-255422, E-mail: klakshmidevi2000@yahoo.co.in.

Accepted 9 May, 2005

 A protease producing microorganism was isolated from soil collected from a detergent industry and identified as Bacillus species. Isolate K-30 produced thermostable alkaline protease utilizing rice bran. The optimum conditions for protease activity was 55°C at pH 9 with 4% inoculum in the medium containing 1% rice bran after 96 h of incubation.  Beef extract, tryptone and yeast extract were good nitrogen sources while lactose, starch, and sucrose were suitable for enzyme production. The extracellular production of the enzyme, its thermostable nature and compatibility with most commercial detergents are features which suggest its application in the detergent industry.

Key words: Alkaline protease, rice bran, thermostability, detergent.