SARASWATHY, RAMALINGAM, SUJANA, JOY CHRISTINA AND RAJASEKARAN
Abstract
Thermostable extracellular protease producing bacterial strain was isolated f b from SO1 y skim milk zone clearing activity. Protease from Bacillus spp. KCT1 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 Ca2+, Me, and Al3+ 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.