초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>This study reports the ultrasound-assisted improvements in biocatalytic activity and production of protease from organic solvent-tolerant, alkaliphilic <I>Bacillus circulans</I> MTCC 7942. The strain withstands 10min ultrasound treatment (33kHz); this treatment promotes the growth of bacterium. The protease production was improved by 1.5-fold on multiple ultrasound treatment at 0, 6, 12h intervals. Although the substrate casein remains unaffected by ultrasound treatment (33kHz, 10min); the treatment had boosted the enzyme activity of purified protease<I>.</I> Also, the ultrasound treated purified protease showed enhancement in enzyme activity in presence of n-dodecane, n-octane, n-hexadecane, n-decane, xylene, butanol, toluene, pyridine and chloroform.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ultrasound treatment helps to accelerate growth of protease secreting <I>Bacillus circulans</I> MTCC 7942. </LI> <LI> Ultrasound treatment resulted in 1.5-fold increase in protease yield. </LI> <LI> Ultrasonication treatment intensified the catalytic activity of protease. </LI> <LI> Catalytic efficiency of ultrasound treated protease against organic solvents was improved. </LI> </UL> </P>