Abstract

Molasses was used as a sole carbon source for the protease production fromBacillus subtilis EFRL 01 in batch wise submerged condition. The bacterial culture was grown on mineral medium and maximum production was noted after 8 h of incubation. The effect of different variable such as carbon sources (0.5 and 1.0%), nitrogen sources (0.75), sodium chloride, potassium chloride, zinc chloride (0.5 - 3.0%), pH (3 - 12) and temperature (25 - 55°C) on the protease production was checked. The maximum enzyme production was noted when B. subtilis EFRL 01 was grown on mineral medium containing 1.0% molasses, 0.75% peptone and 2.0% sodium chloride when incubated at 45°C for 8 h with initial pH 8.5. The enzyme produced by B. subtilis is pH stable and thermostable, which can be utilized in local detergent and leather industry.

Key words: Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01, molasses, protease.