Isolation of Bacillus sp. for its Protease Activity and Detergent Compatibility

Alkaline and heat stable proteolytic enzymes were introduced into detergent products in the 1960s to improve the performance of the detergent via their ability to hydrolyse proteins imbedded in fabrics. A protease producing bacillus bacterium isolated from garden soil and bacillus licheniformis 8600 NCIM are used to investigate the protease activity and detergent compatibility with commercially available detergents. Four different detergents were used to test the activity. The maximum amount of enzyme production was observed around 48h of incubation at room temperature around 34-370c, when the bacteria were grown in kcl rich agar medium and nutrient agar media respectively. The protease activity was observed in 1 % casein media. The protease enzyme was partially purified by filtration, centrifugation and ammonium sulphate precipitation. Partially purified enzyme was obtained. Test was conducted with protease obtained by centrifugation method. In compatibility studies protease showed considerable stability in the presence of detergents and retained more than 80 % of activity.