Optimization of Process Parameters for Improved Lipase Production by Hyperthermophilic Bacillus sonorensis 4R

Aims: To study the effect of process parameters on lipase production of B. sonorensis 4R for improved lipase yield.

Place and Duration of Study: School of Life Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded, between Feb 2016 and April 2016.

Methodology: In the present study, the individual and combined effects of process parameters on lipase production by a hyperthermo-alkalophilic strain of B. sonorensis 4R are studied. Parameters used in this study were incubation period, temperature, initial pH of medium, carbon and nitrogen sources, substrates and metal salts.

Results: The isolate showed maximum lipase production after 4 days of incubation at 80°C and pH 8.0 and when growth medium was supplemented with 1% glucose, 1% ammonium sulphate, 100mmol CaSO4 and by using 1% Tween-80 as lipidic substrate. The combined effects of six variables (pH, temperature, substrate concentration, carbon source, nitrogen source and metal salt) studied in 12 experimental sets showed highest lipase production (51.33 U/mL) by B. sonorensis 4R. In a medium design composed with Tween-80 (1%), CaSO4 (100 mmol), glucose (0.5%), ammonium sulphate (1%), pH (7.5) and when incubated at 80°C, 6.88 fold enhancement over control was observed in lipase production.

Conclusion: In the present study, lipase production from B. sonorensis 4R has been optimized using individual and combined effects of simple and easily manageable process parameters. This knowledge will be helpful to many industrial processes to obtain improved enzyme productivity.