Crossflow Ultrafiltration of Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Medium to Separate Protease Enzymes

Abstract

Separation conditions for the serine alkali protease (SAP) enzyme from the neutral protease and amylase enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis cells were investigated in a crossflow ultrafiltration system by using 30 000 Da MWCO polysulphone membrane. The effects of initial enzyme concentration and recirculation velocity on the permeate flux, on the total resistance, and on the recovery yield of SAP in the permeate were investigated. High permeate flux was obtained at high recirculation velocity but at low initial enzyme concentration, where the SAP enzyme activity was best recovered at low velocity and enzyme concentration conditions.