Lipase production by Aeromonas sobria LP004 in a medium containing whey and soybean meal

Aeromonas sobria LP004 isolated from raw milk was found to produce lipase with an optimum temperature for activity at 45 degrees C. The enzyme was highly stable under alkaline conditions up to pH 9.5. In flask culture, lipase production in a medium containing 25% (v/v) whey, 1.0% (w/v) soybean meal, 0.1% glucose (w/v), 0.5% (w/v) yeast extract and mineral salts was found to be approximately ten-fold (450 units/ml) higher than that in nutrient broth (40 units/ml). This enzyme yield was also obtained at the production scale of 4 litres in a 7-litre fermenter.