Production of Alkaline from Alkalophilic Thermophilic Bacteria and its Application in Biological Detergents

Abstract

Eleven alkalophilic thermophilic bacterial isolates producing alkaline protease(s) were selectively isolated from soil and compost samples, using solid medium amended with 1% wheat meal at pH 10.5.Proteolytic activity was qualitatively investigated, measuring the ratio of clear zone diameter to colony diameter. Isolate no. 3T, 4T and 9T were respected as the relatively most activc organisms, which were subsequently identified and designated as Bacillus sp.Qualitative assessment of alkaline protease activity was done on solid medium using agar diffusion method, by which isolate 41 showed the relatively highest enzyme activity.Optimal growth conditions influencing enzyme production were determined. Results showed that 950 unit / ml of alkaline prolease were produced after (3) days of incubation at 50 °C and pH 10.A commonly used detergent powder supplemented with 1% crude enzyme preparation showed better effect in removing blood smear from cotton cloths than control powder.