Microbial alkaline proteases: Optimization of production parameters and their properties

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Industrial Biotechnology

Background:

• Proteases are essential hydrolytic enzymes, dominating the industrial enzyme market (nearly 60%).
• Their applications span food, pharmaceutical, leather, and detergent industries, driving demand for novel enzymes.
• Optimizing protease production and discovering enzymes with unique properties are areas of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diverse sources and production methods for alkaline proteases.
• To discuss factors influencing alkaline protease production via fermentation.
• To highlight enzymatic and physicochemical properties for industrial suitability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reports on alkaline proteases.
• Analysis of microbial sources for alkaline protease production.
• Examination of submerged and solid-state fermentation parameters.
• Discussion of enzyme properties and their industrial relevance.

Main Results:

• Diverse microorganisms capable of producing alkaline proteases have been identified.
• Nutritional and environmental factors significantly impact protease yield in fermentation.
• Alkaline proteases exhibit varied properties, with some showing stability at extreme pH and temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Alkaline proteases are crucial for industrial applications.
• Understanding production parameters and enzyme characteristics is vital for optimization.
• Further research into robust alkaline proteases will enhance their industrial utility.