Effect of synthetic zeolites on xylanase production from an alkalophilic Bacillus sp.

The present study pertains to stimulation of enzyme secretion in a xylanoly tic alkalophilic Bacillus in submerged culture in media supplemented with d ifferent zeolites. Among different zeolites possessing various cations, onl y calcium-containing zeolites exhibited two-fold enhancement of extracellul ar xylanase activity. 0.5% calcium zeolite enhanced the level of activity t o the same extent as 0.5% Tween 80 supplementation. The possibility of supp lementing zeolite as an alternative to Tween 80 in large-scale, aerated-agi tated fermentations is discussed.