Atividade proteolítica em bactérias isoladas do solo da Caatinga

Abstract

The proteases comprise a diverse group of catalytic enzymes that perform an important role in physiological processes and industrial applications. Interest in enzymes from microorganisms is growing because of its diversity, complexity and its high biotechnological potential. Caatinga is a biome exclusively from Brazil with environments rich in species that exhibit unique adaptations. The soil microbiota of the Caatinga and its biotechnological potential are still unexplored. The aim of this study was to quantify and isolate protease-producing bacteria from Caatinga soil samples. Among the protease-producing bacteria isolated, two strains showed enzymatic efficiency in different conditions of temperature and pH. The bacteria isolated from Caatinga soil were resistant to extreme biome conditions and showed high enzymatic activity in wide variations of temperature and pH tested, indicating potential for biotechnological use.