In this study we isolated and screened 58 thermophilic actinomycetes strains for proteolytic activity. The 11A strain originally isolated from a soil sample collected from Antarctic areas that showed highest proteolytic activity was... more
In this study we isolated and screened 58 thermophilic actinomycetes strains for proteolytic activity. The 11A strain originally isolated from a soil sample collected from Antarctic areas that showed highest proteolytic activity was chosen for further analyses. The accomplished observations on the microbial growth in continuous shake flasks confirmed (he strain's thermophilic nature and identified its maximal protease synthesis at 45°C for 48h. The pH profile for enzyme production was investigated as well. The observed pH range was from 6.5 to 8.5 and the optimal value for the maximal enzyme synthesis was determined at pH 8.0. The influence of different temperatures on the enzyme activity was observed for period of 2 days. The enzyme retained more than 90% from its initial activity during incubation at 50°C for 48h. It was also found that the enzyme is relatively stable up to 80°C. The influence of different concentrations of carbon and nitrogen nutrient sources on the level of enzyme production was also investigated.
