Production of an Alkaline Protease From Nocardiopsis Alba Om-4, a Haloalkaliphilic Actinobacteria in Solid-State Fermentation Using Agricultural Waste Products

Microbial proteases are useful in silk degumming, leather processing, detergent additives and waste water treatment. It is important to explore the cheap and easily available substrates for the growth and protease production by the microorganisms. A haloalkaliphilic actinobacterium, Nocardiopsis alba OM-4 was grown on solid waste materials and the media were optimized for the maximum protease production. The haloalkaliphilic actinobacterial culture was inoculated in house hold waste and agro-industrial waste products including wheat bran, lentil husk, green gram husk, corn cob, vegetables peels, fruit peels, agricultural waste, pulses flour, walnut shell, pista shell, ground nut been husk and gelatine. All the ingredients of the solid state media were in the range of 0.5-5.0 g/ml and the growth along with protease production was monitored for fifteen days. The aliquots of the grown culture were harvested each day and protease activity and growth were measured. Different combinations of medium components were assessed for the growth and protease production. The comparison of the protease activity revealed that pulse flour, corn cob, vegetable pills and green gram husk followed by agriculture waste supported the protease production. Walnut shell and Pista shell didn’t enhance the growth and protease production. Other ingredients were also useful for growth and protease production.