Abstract

Bacillus licheniformis SPT 27 is an isolate which produces extra cellular alpha (µ-) amylase exhibiting activity at a wide pH range and was relatively stable. The B.lichenformis isolate, however, produces low yields of the amylase. Our results show that the amylase production is higher in the presence of starch, with Amarantus peniculatus starch producing the highest amount of amylase. Amongst sugars, fructose supported maximum amylase production. Of the nitrogen sources tested, peptone and ammonium hydrogen phosphate where the best organic and inorganic sources respectively. The C:N ratio found to be the optimum was 1:1.

Key words: Amarantus manipulates, alpha (µ-) amylase, Bacillus licheniformisSPT 27, C:N ratio.