Abstract

The present investigation evaluates the suitability of different matrices such as calcium alginate, polyacrylamide, agar-agar and gelatin for production of alkaline protease from Bacillus subtilis-K 30 using immobilization approach. Calcium alginate was found to be an effective and suitable matrix for higher alkaline protease productivity compared to other matrices studied. All the matrices were selected for repeated batch fermentation. The average specific volumetric productivities with calcium alginate was 14.83 U/ml/h which is 42.83% higher production over the convention free cell fermentation. Similarly, the specific volumetric productivity by repeated batch fermentation was 12.29 U/ml/h with polyacrylamide, 12.22 U/ml/h with agar-agar and 12.09 U/ml/h with gelatin. From the results, it is concluded that the immobilized cells of B. subtilis K-30 in calcium alginate are more efficient for the production of alkaline protease with repeated batch fermentation.

Key words: Bacillus subtilis K-30, Alkaline protease, immobilized cells, repeated batch fermentation, matrices.

Abbreviation

DCW, Dry cell weight; TEMED, tetra methyl ethylene diamine.