Extracellular amylase synthesis by Bacillus globisporus BH-1b

Despite the prevalence of starch-hydrolyzing enzymes in bacilli, relatively few have been studied in detail. In an attempt to isolate an effective α-amylase-producing strain, Bacillus globisporus BH-1b has been isolated. The strain requires few nutritional supplements and shows induction in the presence of galactose. 2% potassium nitrate and pH 7.2 emerged as optimum for the fermentation medium. The durability of the enzyme has also been tested at a low pH and a high temperature.