Production of pectinase by Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01 in a date syrup medium

A newly isolated Bacillus subtilis EFRL 01 was used to produce pectinases in batch fermentations on various inexpensive media. A mineral medium based on waste date syrup (15 g/L) as the carbon source and yeast extract (7.5 g/L) as the nitrogen source proved to be the most effective. A 48 h batch fermentation in this medium with a starting pH of 8.0 produced a pectinase titer of ~2,700 U/mL at the optimal fermentation temperature of 45°C. The optimal temperature, initial pH, the carbon source and its concentration, and the nitrogen source and its concentration, were identified after evaluation of multiple nutrient sources and fermentation conditions. Keywords: Polygalactouronase, Bacillus subtilis , fermentation, pectinases, date syrup