Production, purification and characterization of xylanase using alkalo-thermophilic Bacillus halodurans KR-1

Xylanase (EC. 3.2.1.8) has been isolated from an alkalo-thermophilic bacteria, Bacillus halodurans strain KR-1 isolated from the soil near river bed at Indore. The bacteria secreted xylanase in the growth medium in the presence of xylan. The production of the enzyme was induced in the presence of glucose, mannose, lactose and maltose whereas presence of starch, cellulose and sucrose retarded in enzyme production. The presence of casein, peptone, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate as nitrogen source in the growth medium resulted in more xylanase production, whereas presence of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and yeast extract resulted in lesser enzyme production. The enzyme has been partially purified using sodium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-200 chromatographies. The molecular weight of the enzyme has been found to be 45±02 kDa as determined by Sephadex G-200 chromatography as well as sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme protein is monomeric exhibiting maximum activity at pH 9.0. The optimum temperature for exhibiting maximum activity has been found to be 40oC. The metal ions viz. Mg2+ and Fe2+ when present in the enzyme assay medium stimulated the xylanase activity, whereas Hg2+, Co2+ and Mn2+ strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. The Km value for birchwood xylan was calculated to be 12.0 g/l.