BI-PHASIC PRODUCTION OF ALPHA-AMYLASE OF BACILLUS-FLAVOTHERMUS IN BATCH FERMENTATION

The facultative thermophile, Bacillus flavothermus, produced highest a lpha-amylase activity (28.6 units/ml) with lactose (4%, w/v) and Yeate x (2%, w/v) and an initial pH 6.0 at 55 degrees C. In batch fermentati on, biomass and alpha-amylase activity peaked twice. In the first of t hese growth cycles the organism utilised the nitrogen source, Yeatex, and maximum enzyme was associated with cell lysis. In the second growt h phase the carbohydrate source, lactose, was utilised and enzyme peak ed in the early stages of growth.