PARTIAL PURIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND LAUNDRY APPLICATIONS OF PROTEASE FROM BACILLUS SP. KCTI

摘要

Thermostable extracellular protease producing bacterial strain was isolated from soil by skim milk zone clearing activity. Protease from Bacillus spp. KCTI was partially purified and characterized. The optimum temperature and pH for the protease was found to be 55°C and pH of 10.5, respectively. The metal ions like Ca~(2+), Mg~(2+), and Al~(3+)enhanced enzyme activity. The protease activity was completely inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). Compatibility study with commercial detergents showed that the enzyme was able to retain its 50% of initial activity after 1.5 hours of incubation in the detergent solution. The enzyme was found to be effective for the removal of blood and egg yolk stains in cotton cloth.