ISOLATION AND SCREENING FOR ALKALINE THERMOSTABLE XYLANASES

Screening of xylanase producing microorganisms from soil samples and h emicellulosic materials were carried out in three stages using wheat b ran extract agar medium, xylan agar medium and liquid medium with xyla n. One of the isolates, identified as Bacillus SSP-34 produced 100 tim es more xylanase activity than the other isolates. Maximum enzyme prod uction by this isolate was observed after 102 hours of growth. The opt imum pH for the crude xylanase preparation range from 6-8 and optimum temperature was at 50 degrees C. The enzyme was stable up to 20 minute s at 50 degrees C and at pH range 4.5-9.0 for more than 2 hours.