The marine bacterium Alteromonas piscicida--a producer of enzymes with thrombolytic action

The ability of marine bacteria A. piscicida to produce exoproteases that were able to lyse human blood clots has been studied. Optimal conditions for biosynthesis of these enzymes have been found. The enzyme has been partially purified. In concentration of 1 mg/ml it has activity corresponding to that of 500 micrograms/l plasmine and 100 micrograms/ml trypsine. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited after incubation in human blood plasma.