Optimization of thermostable alkaline protease production from species of Bacillus using rice bran

A protease producing microorganism was isolated from soil collected from a detergent industry and identified as Bacillus species. Isolate K-30 produced thermostable alkaline protease utilizing rice bran. The optimum conditions for protease activity was 55 degrees C at pH 9 with 4% inoculum in the medium containing 1% rice bran after 96 h of incubation. Beef extract, tryptone and yeast extract were good nitrogen sources while lactose, starch, and sucrose were suitable for enzyme production. The extracellular production of the enzyme, its thermostable nature and compatibility with most commercial detergents are features which suggest its application in the detergent industry.