GENETIC IMPROVEMENT OF ALKALINE PROTEASE PRODUCTION VIA BACILLUS PROTOPLAST FUSION

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Microbial Genetics Dept., National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

2 Microbial Chemistry Dept., National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

This study aimed to improve the production of alkaline protease by Baciflus strains through protoplast fusion technique. Different Bacillus strains were screened for alkaline protease production. The best producers were B. alvei and B. licheniformis (local isolates) were fused together. Twelve fusants were selected on the basis of antibiotic resistance pattern. All fusants were characterized on the basis of enzyme activity, resistance to antibiotics and different chemical and physical factors. Plasmid profiles studies of these fusants and their parents showed the transfer of some plasmids from each parent to the fusants. All fusants showed higher efficiencies in enzyme productivity than their parents. Up to five limes alkaline protease activity were found in fusants comparing with their parental strains production. The distinguished obtained fusants are available to be used commercially in many economic important industries.

Keywords