PRODUCTION OF THERMOSTABLE ACID PROTEASE BY ASPERGILLUS-NIGER

Aspergillus niger F2078 produces high levels of extracellular thermostable acid protease within 96 h. Although glucose and peptone were the best carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, sucrose and a cheap nitrogen source, corn steep liquor, also gave satisfactory enzyme yields. Supplementation of groundnut meal to the basal medium enhanced enzyme production. Temperature and pH optima of the enzyme activity were 60 degrees C and 3.0-4.0, respectively. The enzyme was stable between pH 3.0 and 6.0 and at temperatures up to 60 degrees C.