Versatile Bacillus Serine Proteases: Catalysts for Innovation in Industry, Medicine, and Environmental Sustainability

Serine proteases from the species Bacillus have been recognized as important biocatalysts with demonstrated applications across industrial, medical, and environmental fields. Extensive studies have been reported for its potential applications in areas such as the leather and detergent industries. Apart from industrial applications, there are studies suggesting the relevance of Bacillus serine proteases in pharmaceutical research, especially in peptide synthesis and enzyme-based therapeutic strategies. In addition to these applications, Bacillus serine proteases have been reported for their environmental waste mitigation potential. This includes wastewater treatment, management of agricultural residues, and composting processes. By summarizing evidence for these diverse applications, this review discusses the utility of Bacillus serine proteases along with highlighting the research gaps that exist in translating the laboratory-scale findings into a large-scale sustainable future.