Production of a detergent-compatible alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus K-3

Proteases due to their huge application spectrum in various biotechnological processes have been the focus of intense research for many decades. however,most of the available proteases lack desired properties from industrial application view point; therefore,search for better and efficient thermostable alkaline proteases,is a continuous practise. in the current study,a total of 30 bacterial strains were screened for protease production. isolate k-3,identified as bacillus cereus (b. cereus k-3) produced substantial titre of protease that was thermostable and broad range ph stable. the optimum fermentation time for maximum protease production was 48 h under submerged fermentation. among various carbon/nitrogen sources examined including agricultural residues,lactose and ammonium sulphate were found to be the best carbon and nitrogen source,respectively,for protease production. the optimum medium ph for maximum protease production was 9.0. the optimum temperature and ph for activity was 40°c and 9.0,respectively. however,enzyme showed considerable activity/stability over a wide range of temperature (50-70°c) and ph (8.0-12). furthermore,b. cereus k-3 protease exhibited excellent compatibility with detergents and heavy metal ions. considering these attributes b. cereus k-3 protease may have potential industrial applications.