Harnessing Bacillus velezensis for enhanced protease biosynthesis: optimization, purification, and kinetic profiling

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Enzyme Engineering

Background:

• Microbial proteases are vital industrial biocatalysts.
• Optimizing their production is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• Isolate and characterize a high-yield protease-producing bacterium.
• Systematically optimize production parameters for enhanced protease yield.

Main Methods:

• Screened 124 bacterial isolates from environmental sources, identifying Bacillus velezensis AZH3S.
• Optimized culture media, carbon/nitrogen sources, and fermentation parameters using Response Surface Methodology.
• Purified the enzyme and characterized its kinetic properties.

Main Results:

• Bacillus velezensis AZH3S was identified as a potent protease producer.
• Optimized conditions achieved 1160.3 U/mL protease activity, a 2.80-fold improvement.
• Purified enzyme (approx. 20 kDa) showed high substrate affinity (Km = 0.207 mM).

Conclusions:

• Developed a robust bioprocess for industrial-scale protease production.
• The optimized microbial protease exhibits significant biotechnological potential.
• This work advances enzyme production for industrial applications.