Simultaneous production of protease and alpha amylase by Bacillus subtilis in a microprocessor controlled fermentor

Abstract

The simultaneous production of Bacillus subtilis based protease and alpha amylase using a computer controlled laboratory scale 7.5 dm3 batch bioreactor was described in this study. The growth and sporulation of Bacillus subtilis was monitored and maximum production of protease and alpha amylase was found to coincide with the maximum sporulation. Two types of proteases were detected in the fermentation broth; neutral and alkaline protease most active in a pH range of 7.0-8.0 and 8.0-10 respectively. Maximum production of proteases was observed at an incubation temperature of 37°C while that of alpha amylase was observed at 40°C. Similarly the optimum aeration and agitation for proteases production were 0.6 l/l/m and 200rpm respectively and for that of alpha amylase were also 0.6 l/l/m and 150 rpm respectively. The kinetic parameters Yp/x and qp were also found highly significant at above fermentation conditions.