JYOTHIS MATHEW M.S. LATHA AND P.C. RAVINDRAN
Abstract
A bacterium producing alkaline protease in high yields by solid state fermentation was isolated from alkaline soil. Various factors affecting the production of the enzyme by solid state fermentation were standardised. Wheat bran of particle size 500-710m, moisture level 64%, incubation temperature 37°C and incubation time 72 h were optimal for the production of alkaline protease. The optimum pH of moistening solution was 9.0. The best carbon source for supplementation was glucose at 2% (w/w of the moistened substrate) level. The SSF required no extra nitrogen sources. Incorporation of sodium chloride at a concentration 0.5% (w/v) into the moistening solution enhanced the production. The production could be increased more than two fold by optimization.