Optimization of alkaline protease production from <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> NS isolated from sea water

Abstract

The protease producing bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis was isolated from sea water and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The strain named as B. subtilis NS. Optimization of the strain revealed that the most suitable nitrogen source to enhance protease production was beef extract. Among various carbon sources tested, maximum production of protease was registered in medium with added glucose. The effect of metals ions indicated that maximum protease production was observed in medium supplemented with magnesium chloride (MgCl). Investigating the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration on protease production revealed that 7% yielded higher protease production. The most suitable pH and temperature for maximum protease production revealed that pH 9 and a temperature of 40°C gave optimal protease production.

Keywords:  Alkaline protease, Bacillus subtilis, media optimization, marine bacteria

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(16), 1707-1713