SYNTHESIS OF THERMOSTABLE ALPHA-AMYLASE BY BACILLUS ISOLATE R-8

An indigenous isolate Bacillus R-8 was found to produce thermostable alpha-amylase. The enzyme yield was highest during the stationary phase of the culture. Maximum production of 100 units per ml was achieved in the maltose medium and also in the alkaline conditions of fermentation. It has been observed that the rate of enzyme formation was highest (2.8 units/g of cells/h) with glucose under neutral conditions. The variations in the fermentation parameters which have resulted in the significant difference in terms of total enzyme production and the rate of enzyme formation have been discussed.