The optimization of culture conditions for the production of α-amylase by the thermophilic Bacillus sp strain SMIA-2 was carried out. In addition, the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch from several sources, such as potato, cassava and corn was investigated. Alpha-amylase production by Bacillus sp SMIA-2 cultivated in liquid cultures containing starch as carbon source and supplemented with 0.5 g.L-1 whey protein and 2.0 g.L-1 peptone reached a maximum of 37 U.mL-1 at 32 hours. The microorganism was capable of utilizing several carbon sources, but amylase activity varied with each source. Starch was the best carbon source for amylase secretion, while lactose, maltose, sucrose, galactose, and glucose were not very effective. Decreasing starch concentration in the medium to 2.5 g.L-1 improved organism growth and enzyme activity. At higher starch concentrations, enzyme production was comparatively lower. Among the various organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, peptone (2.0 g.L-1) was found to be the best. Regarding the amount of whey protein in the medium, the concentration of 0.25 g.L-1 was considered the most effective for amylase secretion by the organism. Maximum amylase activity was observed at 50 °C and pH 8.5. The enzyme was able to degrade all the starches tested. Potato starch hydrolysis resulted in a higher yield of reducing sugars in comparison to the other starches. Soluble and cassava starch were, respectively, in second and third positions regarding the liberation of reducing sugars, while the amylase studied showed a slightly lower affinity for corn starch. Increasing the reaction temperature to 70 °C resulted in higher levels of reducing sugars after the hydrolysis of the substrates, except for soluble starch.
amylase; Bacillus; starch; hydrolysis; thermophilic bacterium
