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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
13:30
A New Screening Method for the Directed Evolution of Thermostable Bacteriolytic Enzymes
Published on: November 7, 2012
High-temperature alkaline alpha-amylase from Bacillus iicheniformis TCRDC-B13
1Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Division, Thapar Corporate Research & Development Centre, Patiala-147 001, India.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|January 5, 1989
Summary
Bacillus licheniformis produces a high-temperature alkaline alpha-amylase. This enzyme shows optimal activity at 90°C and a broad pH range, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Enzymology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Alkaline alpha-amylases are crucial industrial enzymes.
- High-temperature stability is a desirable trait for enzyme applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel high-temperature alkaline alpha-amylase.
- To optimize the production conditions for this enzyme.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Bacillus licheniformis.
- Optimization of cultural conditions (carbon/nitrogen sources, pH, temperature, time).
- Enzyme activity assays at varying temperatures and pH.
Main Results:
- Bacillus licheniformis was identified as a producer of alpha-amylase.
- Optimized conditions significantly enhanced enzyme production.
- The enzyme demonstrated high activity up to 100°C, with optimum at 90°C.
- Optimal activity was observed across a broad pH range (5.5-10).
- Effects of Na(+) and Ca(2+) ions on enzyme activity were investigated.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus licheniformis is a valuable source of thermostable alkaline alpha-amylase.
- The characterized enzyme possesses properties suitable for high-temperature industrial processes.
- Further studies on ion effects could refine enzyme application protocols.
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