OPTIMIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND NUTRITIONAL FACTORS FOR ALKALINE PROTEASE PRODUCTION

Optimization of the growth conditions for maximum alkaline protease production was carried out using the newly isolated mesophilic bacterium. The bacterium produced protease at maximum rate after 48 h of incubation with agitation speed of 170 rpm and 4% (v/v) starter culture. The best carbon and organic nitrogen sources for this bacterium were glucose and soyatone, respectively. Under these conditions the newly isolated strain was found to produce alkaline protease at a maximum rate of approximately 244.9 ^g/mL/min.