Abstract

A protease producing bacteria was isolated from meat waste contaminated soil and identified as Pseudomonas fluorescens. Optimization of the fermentation medium for maximum protease production was carried out. The culture conditions like inoculum concentration, incubation time, pH, temperature, carbon sources, nitrogen sources and metal ions were optimized. The optimum conditions found for protease production was 37ºC at pH 9, with 2% inoculum in the medium for 24 h. Wheat bran and peptone stimulates the production of protease. Magnesium sulphate has less inhibitory effect among the metal ions tested.

Key words: Alkaline protease, casein agar, meat waste contaminated soil,Pseudomonas fluorescens.