Partial Characterization of Protease from the Visceral Organ Waste of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Abstract

Proteases are the most important enzymes accounting for approximately 60% of the total industrial enzyme market. Its isolation from the visceral organ waste of Cobia showed the highest specific activity in the 40 – 50 % ammonium sulphate precipitated sample. Hence, that fraction was dialyzed and was found to have an increase in the specific activity from 2.0 – 3.2 U/mg. Purification of the dialyzed fractions on Sephadex G-100 column also revealed an increase in the specific activity from 3.2 – 3.5 U/mg. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 32.0 KDa. Zymogram was done to confirm the presence of protease. The optimum pH and temperature of the isolated enzyme was shown to be 8 and 60?C where the protease activity was found to be the highest.

Keywords: Cobia, alkaline protease, fish waste, enzyme