A novel alkaline lipase from Burkholderia cepacia RGP-10 was produced in mu
stard oil (1% v/v) at 50 degreesC, pH 7 and 250 rpm. Lipase production was
mostly influenced by glucose and divalent cations. Mg2+ (0.6 mM) in the pre
sence of Ca2+ (0.4 mM) along with 1% w/v glucose enhanced lipase production
up to three-fold (60 U/ml). Nitrogen additives did not affect lipase produ
ction significantly. The enzyme was compatible with various ionic and non-i
onic surfactants as well as commercial detergents. The present lipase retai
ned 100% activity in the presence of strong oxidants (1% v/v or w/v) viz. H
2O2, sodium perborate and sodium hypochlorite after I h of treatment at roo
m temperature. The enzyme was also resistant to various commercial alkaline
proteases. retaining its complete activity even after I h protease treatme
nt at 50 degreesC. Overall, the present lipase exhibited better stability t
owards commercial detergents and oxidizing agents than Lipolase circle *. S
trong resistance towards oxidants besides good detergent compatibility make
s it a novel lipase and a potential additive for detergent formulation (C)
2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.