A halophilic, thermostable protease produced by the extremely halophilic archaeon Natrialba aegyptiaca strain 40T was active over a wide range of NaCl concentrations i.e. 032 % (w/v), with maximum activity at 25 % (w/v). Optimum pH and temperature for maximum protease activity were 8 -8.5 and 40-45 oC respectively. The crude protease was successfully applied for dehairing of goat skin and removing of blood stain from cotton cloth.
Key words: Halophilic, protease, archaeon, Natrialba aegyptiaca
|
