Short Communication: Effect of medium composition on the production by a new Bacillus subtilis isolate of protease with promising unhairing activity.

In a search for microorganisms producing extracellular protease with unhairing activity, Bacillus subtilis IIQDB32 was isolated. Protease formation was significantly stimulated by glucose, tryptone, yeast extract, Ca(2+) and Mn(2+), but was repressed by ammonia and Fe(2+).

Study of Bacillus sp. culture conditions to promote production of unhairing proteases.

The substitution of chemical depilatory agents in the leather industry by proteolytic enzymes produced by Bacillus species has an important economical and environmental impact. In previous assays, a Bacillus sp. showing a promising depilatory activity was isolated.