Protease from Bacillus sp.

Proteases are ubiquitously found in nature and microbes are the desired source for these enzymes. They are classified into four classes namely aspartic, serine, cysteine and metalloproteases.

Protease from Bacillus sp. has been used to determine its proteolytic activity by spectrophotometric method.

Protease catabolizes proteins by hydrolysis of peptide bonds. Proteases are inactivated by serine active-site inhibitors, such as phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and diisopropylfluorophosphate. Proteases, secreted from Bacillus sp., typically have molecular weights ranging from 20,000 to 30,000. They are typically stabilized by Ca²⁺ and have high isoelectric points. It is highly soluble in detergents at a wide range of pH and temperatures. Protease improves healing process by efficiently removing necrotic materials from wounds. It is extensively used in laundry detergents to remove protein based stains from clothing. In addition, protease is also used in food, pharmaceutical, leather and silk industries. It is a key constituent in biopharmaceutical products including contact-lens enzyme cleaners and enzymatic deriders. Proteases also aid in various physiological processes such as protein turnover, digestion, blood coagulation, fertilization and cell differentiation. It also facilitates growth, cell signaling, the immune response, and apoptosis.

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