Activity of Extracellular Lipase and Amylase by Halophilic Bacteria

Nine halophilic amd halotolerant bacterial strains were isolated from samples obtained in saline ponds and soils of Absheron peninsula in Azerbaijan. Based on morphological, physiological and biochemical features, six strains were identified tentatively as members of the genus Halomonas, two isolates as Halococcus sp., while one was identified as Bacillus cereus. Bacterial strains were screened for production of extracellular lipase and amylase. Bacillus cereus St9 exhibited the highest amylase activity and Halomonas St3 produced the largest amount of the lipolytic enzyme. The optimal combination of salt concentration, temperature and pH for maximum amylase activity of cultural broth from Bacillus cereus St9 was 0.5 – 1.5% NaCl, 50°C, pH 7. The lipase activity of cultural broth of Halomonas St3 was optimal at 60°C, pH 9.0 and 10% NaCl.