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Abstract:
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The present study led to the recognition of Natrinema sp. BTSH 10 isolated
from saltern ponds, as an ideal candidate species for production of gelatinase, which
was noted as a halozyme capable of showing enzyme activity in the presence of 15%
NaCl. Results obtained during the course of the present study indicated potential for
application of this enzyme in industrial catalysis that are performed in the presence of
high concentrations of salt. The enzyme characteristics noted with this gelatinase also
indicate the scope for probable applications in leather industry, meat tenderization,
production of fish sauce and soy sauce. Since halophilic proteases are tolerant to
organic solvents, they could be used in antifouling coating preparations used to
prevent biofouling of submarine equipments. The gelatinase from haloarchaea could
be considered as a probable candidate for peptide synthesis. However, further studies
are warranted on this haloarcheal gelatinase particularly on structure elucidation and enzyme engineering to suit a wide range of applications. There is immense scope for
developing this halozyme as an industrial enzyme once thorough biochemistry of this
gelatinase is studied and a pilot scale study is conducted towards industrial production
of this enzyme under fermentation is facilitated. Based on the present study it is
concluded that haloarchaea Natrinema sp. that inhabit solar saltern ponds are ideal
source for deriving industrially important halozymes and molecular studies on
enzymes are prerequisite for their probable industrial applications. This is the first
time this species of archaea is recognized as a source of gelatinase enzyme that has
potential for industrial applications. |
