RESUMO
Este trabalho se propôs a desenvolver um modelo preditivo para identificação de perda de estabilidade e de sedimentação em leite UAT por determinação da atividade enzimática de aminopeptidase no leite por espectrofotometria. Foram analisadas amostras de leite cru, pasteurizado e UAT após envase durante seis meses, na região Sul do Brasil. Acidez, crioscopia, gordura, extrato seco total, extrato seco desengordurado e densidade foram analisados nos leites cru e pasteurizado. Amostras de leite cru foram ainda submetidas à análise de contagem de psicrotróficos e à atividade de aminopeptidase, e amostras de leite UAT estocadas foram analisadas quanto ao grau de proteólise mediante análises sensoriais e atividade de aminopeptidase. Alterações sensoriais foram observadas em tempos de estocagem menores para amostras originadas de leite cru com contagem de psicrotróficos acima de 107 UFC mL-1. Não houve correlação entre a atividade de aminopeptidase e proteólise e também não foi observada correlação significativa entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a ocorrência de proteólise no leite estocado. O modelo estudado não foi apto para predizer perda de estabilidade e ocorrência de proteólise no leite UAT.(AU)
The aim of this work was to develop a predictive model for identifying loss of stability and sedimentation in UHT milk by determining the enzymatic activity of aminopeptidasis in milk by spectrophotometry. Samples of raw milk, pasteurized and UHT after filling for 6 months in Southern Brazil were analyzed. Acidity, freezing point, fat, total solids, nonfat solids and density were analyzed in raw and pasteurized milk. Raw milk samples were also subjected to psychrotrophic count analysis and aminopeptidasis activity and UAT samples of stored milk were analyzed for degree of proteolysis through sensory analysis and aminopeptidasis activity. Sensory changes were observed in smaller storage time for samples of raw milk originated with psychrotrophic count above 107 CFU ml-1. There was no correlation between aminopeptidasis activity and proteolysis and there was also no significant correlation between physicochemical parameters and the occurrence of proteolysis in stored milk. The model was unable to predict loss of stability and occurrence of proteolysis in UHT milk.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Bovinos , Leite/enzimologia , Proteólise , Aminopeptidases/análise , Bovinos , EspectrofotometriaRESUMO
Este trabalho se propôs a desenvolver um modelo preditivo para identificação de perda de estabilidade e de sedimentação em leite UAT por determinação da atividade enzimática de aminopeptidase no leite por espectrofotometria. Foram analisadas amostras de leite cru, pasteurizado e UAT após envase durante seis meses, na região Sul do Brasil. Acidez, crioscopia, gordura, extrato seco total, extrato seco desengordurado e densidade foram analisados nos leites cru e pasteurizado. Amostras de leite cru foram ainda submetidas à análise de contagem de psicrotróficos e à atividade de aminopeptidase, e amostras de leite UAT estocadas foram analisadas quanto ao grau de proteólise mediante análises sensoriais e atividade de aminopeptidase. Alterações sensoriais foram observadas em tempos de estocagem menores para amostras originadas de leite cru com contagem de psicrotróficos acima de 107 UFC mL-1. Não houve correlação entre a atividade de aminopeptidase e proteólise e também não foi observada correlação significativa entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e a ocorrência de proteólise no leite estocado. O modelo estudado não foi apto para predizer perda de estabilidade e ocorrência de proteólise no leite UAT.(AU)
The aim of this work was to develop a predictive model for identifying loss of stability and sedimentation in UHT milk by determining the enzymatic activity of aminopeptidasis in milk by spectrophotometry. Samples of raw milk, pasteurized and UHT after filling for 6 months in Southern Brazil were analyzed. Acidity, freezing point, fat, total solids, nonfat solids and density were analyzed in raw and pasteurized milk. Raw milk samples were also subjected to psychrotrophic count analysis and aminopeptidasis activity and UAT samples of stored milk were analyzed for degree of proteolysis through sensory analysis and aminopeptidasis activity. Sensory changes were observed in smaller storage time for samples of raw milk originated with psychrotrophic count above 107 CFU ml-1. There was no correlation between aminopeptidasis activity and proteolysis and there was also no significant correlation between physicochemical parameters and the occurrence of proteolysis in stored milk. The model was unable to predict loss of stability and occurrence of proteolysis in UHT milk.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Bovinos , Leite/enzimologia , Proteólise , Aminopeptidases/análise , Espectrofotometria , BovinosRESUMO
The presence of biofilm-forming bacteria from the mammary gland of dairy cows adhered to equipment in the milking environment represents one of the major causes of bacterial resistance during mastitis treatment. The aim of this study was to identify strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli in milk samples from cows with mastitis, as well as in the expansion tank and milking set liners. We aimed to quantify the extracellular proteins and polysaccharides in the biofilm produced by each strain. A total of 294 samples were collected from a dairy farm in the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. To identify the S. aureus, S. epidermidis and E. coli isolates responsible for biofilm production, we tested the phenotype using the Congo red agar (CRA) and microplate adhesion tests. Protein quantification was performed with a Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit (BCA kit), and polysaccharides were quantified by the phenol sulfuric acid method. We identified eight strains of S. aureus, one strain of S. epidermidis and 11 strains of E. coli responsible for biofilm production, all of which showed a higher concentration of polysaccharides than proteins in the matrix. Escherichia coli was considered the most prevalent bacterium among the samples, and S. aureus was determined to be the largest biofilm producer. The results of the CRA and microplate adhesion tests were similar in regard to identification of the biofilm-producing strains according to their phenotype and matrix composition. The classification of S. aureus strains as major biofilm producers is of great concern for producers, as such bacteria are considered one of the predominant contagious etiological agents that cause bovine mastitis. In addition, our observation that E. coli and S. epidermidis can produce biofilms highlights the need to reassess prophylactic measures to avoid the adhesion of biofilm-producing bacteria.(AU)
A presença de bactérias formadoras de biofilme microbiano, na glândula mamária de vacas leiteiras e aderidas aos equipamentos e utensílios do ambiente de ordenha, constitui uma das causas de resistência bacteriana no tratamento de mastite em vacas leiteiras. O estudo teve como finalidade identificar cepas produtoras de biofilme de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Escherichia coli, em amostras de leite de animais com mastite, tanque de expansão e teteiras do conjunto de ordenha. Visou-se quantificar as proteínas extracelulares e polissacarídeos das estirpes. No total, foram colhidas 294 amostras, em uma propriedade no município de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Para identificar as estirpes de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e E. coli isoladas produtoras de biofilme, foram utilizados testes fenotípicos como cultivo em ágar Vermelho Congo (CRA) e teste de adesão em microplaca. A quantificação de proteínas foi realizada com o Kit BCA e de polissacarídeos pelo método do ácido fenol sulfúrico. Identificou-se oito cepas de S. aureus, uma de S. epidermidis e 11 cepas de E. coli produtoras de biofilme, todas compostas com maior concentração de polissacarídeo do que proteína na matriz. E. coli foi considerada a bactéria mais prevalente das amostras e S. aureus a maior produtora de biofilme. Os resultados do CRA e do teste de adesão em microplaca foram similares ao identificar as cepas produtorasde biofilme, conforme a expressão do fenótipo e quantificação da matriz. A classificação de estirpes deS. aureus, como maiores produtoras de biofilme, preocupa ainda mais os produtores, pois tais bactériassão consideradas um dos principais agentes etiológicos contagiosos causadores da mastite bovina. Alémdisso, a capacidade de E. coli e S. epidermidis produzirem biofilme torna indispensável a reavaliaçãodas medidas profiláticas, com o intuito de evitar a adesão de bactérias produtoras de biofilme.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Bovinos , Bovinos/metabolismo , Leite/enzimologia , Leite/microbiologia , Biofilmes , Mastite BovinaRESUMO
The presence of biofilm-forming bacteria from the mammary gland of dairy cows adhered to equipment in the milking environment represents one of the major causes of bacterial resistance during mastitis treatment. The aim of this study was to identify strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli in milk samples from cows with mastitis, as well as in the expansion tank and milking set liners. We aimed to quantify the extracellular proteins and polysaccharides in the biofilm produced by each strain. A total of 294 samples were collected from a dairy farm in the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. To identify the S. aureus, S. epidermidis and E. coli isolates responsible for biofilm production, we tested the phenotype using the Congo red agar (CRA) and microplate adhesion tests. Protein quantification was performed with a Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit (BCA kit), and polysaccharides were quantified by the phenol sulfuric acid method. We identified eight strains of S. aureus, one strain of S. epidermidis and 11 strains of E. coli responsible for biofilm production, all of which showed a higher concentration of polysaccharides than proteins in the matrix. Escherichia coli was considered the most prevalent bacterium among the samples, and S. aureus was determined to be the largest biofilm producer. The results of the CRA and microplate adhesion tests were similar in regard to identification of the biofilm-producing strains according to their phenotype and matrix composition. The classification of S. aureus strains as major biofilm producers is of great concern for producers, as such bacteria are considered one of the predominant contagious etiological agents that cause bovine mastitis. In addition, our observation that E. coli and S. epidermidis can produce biofilms highlights the need to reassess prophylactic measures to avoid the adhesion of biofilm-producing bacteria.
A presença de bactérias formadoras de biofilme microbiano, na glândula mamária de vacas leiteiras e aderidas aos equipamentos e utensílios do ambiente de ordenha, constitui uma das causas de resistência bacteriana no tratamento de mastite em vacas leiteiras. O estudo teve como finalidade identificar cepas produtoras de biofilme de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Escherichia coli, em amostras de leite de animais com mastite, tanque de expansão e teteiras do conjunto de ordenha. Visou-se quantificar as proteínas extracelulares e polissacarídeos das estirpes. No total, foram colhidas 294 amostras, em uma propriedade no município de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Para identificar as estirpes de S. aureus, S. epidermidis e E. coli isoladas produtoras de biofilme, foram utilizados testes fenotípicos como cultivo em ágar Vermelho Congo (CRA) e teste de adesão em microplaca. A quantificação de proteínas foi realizada com o Kit BCA e de polissacarídeos pelo método do ácido fenol sulfúrico. Identificou-se oito cepas de S. aureus, uma de S. epidermidis e 11 cepas de E. coli produtoras de biofilme, todas compostas com maior concentração de polissacarídeo do que proteína na matriz. E. coli foi considerada a bactéria mais prevalente das amostras e S. aureus a maior produtora de biofilme. Os resultados do CRA e do teste de adesão em microplaca foram similares ao identificar as cepas produtorasde biofilme, conforme a expressão do fenótipo e quantificação da matriz. A classificação de estirpes deS. aureus, como maiores produtoras de biofilme, preocupa ainda mais os produtores, pois tais bactériassão consideradas um dos principais agentes etiológicos contagiosos causadores da mastite bovina. Alémdisso, a capacidade de E. coli e S. epidermidis produzirem biofilme torna indispensável a reavaliaçãodas medidas profiláticas, com o intuito de evitar a adesão de bactérias produtoras de biofilme.
Assuntos
Feminino , Animais , Bovinos , Biofilmes , Bovinos/metabolismo , Leite/enzimologia , Leite/microbiologia , Mastite BovinaRESUMO
The effects of flax meal (FM) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT)) in the blood, mammary tissue and ruminal fluid, and oxidative stress indicators (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances(TBARS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-scavenging activity) in the milk, plasma and ruminal fluid of dairy cows were determined.The mRNA abundance of the antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress-related genes was assessed in mammary tissue. A total of eight Holstein cows were used in a double 4 x 4 Latin square design. There were four treatments in the diet: control with no FM(CON) or 5% FM (5FM), 10% FM (10FM) and 15% FM (15FM). There was an interaction between treatment and time for plasma GPx and CAT activities. Cows supplemented with FM had a linear reduction in TBARS at 2 h after feeding, and there was no treatment effect at 0, 4 and 6 h after feeding. TBARS production decreased in the milk of cows fed the 5FM and 10FM diets. There was a linear increase in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2) mRNA abundance in mammary tissue with FM supplementation.A linear trend for increased mRNA abundance of the CAT gene was observed with higher concentrations of FM. The mRNA abundance of CAT, GPx1, GPx3, SOD1, SOD2, SOD3 and nuclear factor of k light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NFKB) genes was not affected by the treatment. These findings suggest that FM supplementation can improve the oxidative status of Holstein cows as suggested by decreased TBARS production in ruminal fluid 2 h post-feeding and increased NFE2L2/nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA abundance in mammary tissue.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Linho , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/metabolismo , Leite/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Preparações de Plantas/farmacologia , Rúmen/metabolismo , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Nutrição Animal , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Catalase/sangue , Catalase/genética , Catalase/metabolismo , Bovinos , Suplementos Nutricionais , Feminino , Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Glutationa Peroxidase/sangue , Glutationa Peroxidase/metabolismo , Humanos , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/enzimologia , Leite/enzimologia , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/genética , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Sementes , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismo , Substâncias Reativas com Ácido TiobarbitúricoRESUMO
Para avaliar as proteínas do soro lácteo durante a lactação, o soro obtido a partir de 48 amostras de leite coletadas de 12 vacas da raça Jersey antes da ordenha foi estudado. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: terço inicial (30-120 dias de lactação), terço médio (121-210 dias de lactação) e terço final da lactação (mais de 211 dias de lactação). O proteinograma consistiu da concentração de proteína total do soro lácteo, determinado pelo método de biureto e da eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). A diminuição gradual e significativa de algumas frações do soro de leite foi observada durante a lactação, albumina, lactoferrina, imunoglobulinas, β-lactoglobulina e α-lactoalbumina. Os valores de normalidade obtidos para as proteínas do soro do leite de vacas Jersey foram: proteína total do soro de leite 569,0-713,0mg/dL, lactoferrina 36,0-49,0mg/dL, albumina 24,0-34.0mg/dL, cadeia pesada de imunoglobulina 38,0-51,0 mg/dL; cadeia leve de imunoglobulina 59,0-95,0mg/dL, β-lactoglobulina 207,0-256,0mg/dL, α-lactoalbumina 117,0-157,0mg/dL, proteína com 226 KDa 5,80-12.0mg/dL, e proteína com 118 kDa 2,30-6.80mg/dL.
To evaluate the whey proteins during the lactation, whey obtained from 48 milk samples collected from 12 Jersey cows before milking were studied. Cows were distributed into three groups as follows: early (30-120 days), middle (121-210 days) and end of lactation (more than 211 days). The proteinogram consisted of total proteins concentration determined by biuret method and polyacrymalide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A gradual and significant decrease of some fractions of the whey was observed during the lactation cycle albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin and α -lactoalbumin. The normal ranges obtained for the whey proteins of Jersey cows were: whey total proteins 569.0 to 713.0mg/dL, lactoferrin 36.0 to 49.0mg/dL, albumin 24.0 to 34.0mg/dL, immunoglobulin's heavy chain 38.0 and 51.0mg/dL; immunoglobulin's light chain 59.0 to 95.0mg/dL, β-lactoglobulin 207.0 to 256.0mg/dL, α-lactoalbumin 117.0 to 157.0mg/dL; protein with 226 KDa 5.80 to 12.0mg/dL, and protein with 118 KDa 2.30 to 6.80mg/dL.
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Bovinos , Albuminas/análise , Bovinos/metabolismo , Imunoglobulinas/análise , Leite/enzimologia , Proteínas/análise , Inflamação/veterinária , Lactação/metabolismoRESUMO
Para avaliar as proteínas do soro lácteo durante a lactação, o soro obtido a partir de 48 amostras de leite coletadas de 12 vacas da raça Jersey antes da ordenha foi estudado. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos: terço inicial (30-120 dias de lactação), terço médio (121-210 dias de lactação) e terço final da lactação (mais de 211 dias de lactação). O proteinograma consistiu da concentração de proteína total do soro lácteo, determinado pelo método de biureto e da eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (SDS-PAGE). A diminuição gradual e significativa de algumas frações do soro de leite foi observada durante a lactação, albumina, lactoferrina, imunoglobulinas, β-lactoglobulina e α-lactoalbumina. Os valores de normalidade obtidos para as proteínas do soro do leite de vacas Jersey foram: proteína total do soro de leite 569,0-713,0mg/dL, lactoferrina 36,0-49,0mg/dL, albumina 24,0-34.0mg/dL, cadeia pesada de imunoglobulina 38,0-51,0 mg/dL; cadeia leve de imunoglobulina 59,0-95,0mg/dL, β-lactoglobulina 207,0-256,0mg/dL, α-lactoalbumina 117,0-157,0mg/dL, proteína com 226 KDa 5,80-12.0mg/dL, e proteína com 118 kDa 2,30-6.80mg/dL.(AU)
To evaluate the whey proteins during the lactation, whey obtained from 48 milk samples collected from 12 Jersey cows before milking were studied. Cows were distributed into three groups as follows: early (30-120 days), middle (121-210 days) and end of lactation (more than 211 days). The proteinogram consisted of total proteins concentration determined by biuret method and polyacrymalide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A gradual and significant decrease of some fractions of the whey was observed during the lactation cycle albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, β-lactoglobulin and α -lactoalbumin. The normal ranges obtained for the whey proteins of Jersey cows were: whey total proteins 569.0 to 713.0mg/dL, lactoferrin 36.0 to 49.0mg/dL, albumin 24.0 to 34.0mg/dL, immunoglobulin's heavy chain 38.0 and 51.0mg/dL; immunoglobulin's light chain 59.0 to 95.0mg/dL, β-lactoglobulin 207.0 to 256.0mg/dL, α-lactoalbumin 117.0 to 157.0mg/dL; protein with 226 KDa 5.80 to 12.0mg/dL, and protein with 118 KDa 2.30 to 6.80mg/dL.(AU)
Assuntos
Animais , Feminino , Bovinos , Bovinos/metabolismo , Leite/enzimologia , Proteínas/análise , Albuminas/análise , Imunoglobulinas/análise , Lactação/metabolismo , Inflamação/veterináriaRESUMO
This study investigated the possibility of using yeast strains in fermented milks to obtain products with high Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and low bitter taste. Ninety-three yeast strains isolated from Colombian Kumis in different geographic regions were molecularly identified, and their milk fermentation performances were determined. Molecular identification evidenced that Galactomyces geotrichum, Pichia kudriavzevii, Clavispora lusitaniae and Candida tropicalis, were the dominant species. Eighteen out of 93 strains produced fermented milk with ACE-inhibitory (ACEI) activity values ranging from 8.69 to 88.19%. Digestion of fermented milk samples by pepsin and pancreatin demonstrated an increase in ACEI activity, with C. lusitaniae KL4A as the best producer of ACEI peptides. Moreover, sensory analysis of the products containing the major ACE-inhibitory activity pointed out that P. kudriavzevii KL84A and Kluyveromyces marxianus KL26A could be selected as potential adjunct starter cultures in Kumis, since they made a considerable contribution to the ACE inhibitory activity and produced fermented milk without bitter taste. In this study we observed that Colombian Kumis can be an excellent vehicle for the isolation of yeasts with a potential to enhance bioactive peptides produced during milk fermentation.
Assuntos
Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/isolamento & purificação , Fermentação , Leite/enzimologia , Leveduras/metabolismo , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/análise , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/química , Inibidores da Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina/farmacologia , Animais , Laticínios , Leite/química , Peptídeos/análise , Peptídeos/metabolismo , Peptidil Dipeptidase A , Paladar , Leveduras/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) causes diarrhea, malnutrition and poor growth in children. Human breast milk decreases disease-causing bacteria by supplying nutrients and antimicrobial factors such as lysozyme. Goat milk with and without human lysozyme (HLZ) may improve the repair of intestinal barrier function damage induced by EAEC. This work investigates the effect of the milks on intestinal barrier function repair, bacterial adherence in Caco-2 and HEp-2 cells, intestinal cell proliferation, migration, viability and apoptosis in IEC-6 cells in the absence or presence of EAEC. METHODS: Rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6, ATCC, Rockville, MD) were used for proliferation, migration and viability assays and human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2, ATCC, Rockville, MD) and human larynx carcinoma (HEp-2, ATCC, Rockville, MD) cells were used for bacterial adhesion assays. Goats expressing HLZ in their milk were generated and express HLZ in milk at concentration of 270 µg/ml. Cells were incubated with pasteurized milk from either transgenic goats expressing HLZ or non-transgenic control goats in the presence and absence of EAEC strain 042 (O44:H18). RESULTS: Cellular proliferation was significantly greater in the presence of both HLZ transgenic and control goat milk compared to cells with no milk. Cellular migration was significantly decreased in the presence of EAEC alone but was restored in the presence of milk. Milk from HLZ transgenic goats had significantly more migration compared to control milk. Both milks significantly reduced EAEC adhesion to Caco-2 cells and transgenic milk resulted in less colonization than control milk using a HEp-2 assay. Both milks had significantly increased cellular viability as well as less apoptosis in both the absence and presence of EAEC. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrated that goat milk is able to repair intestinal barrier function damage induced by EAEC and that goat milk with a higher concentration of lysozyme offers additional protection.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli/fisiologia , Intestinos/efeitos dos fármacos , Intestinos/patologia , Leite/enzimologia , Muramidase/farmacologia , Animais , Animais Geneticamente Modificados , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Aderência Bacteriana/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Epitélio/efeitos dos fármacos , Epitélio/microbiologia , Epitélio/patologia , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/isolamento & purificação , Cabras , Humanos , Técnicas In Vitro , Intestinos/microbiologia , Muramidase/genética , RatosRESUMO
Out of the vast pool of enzymes, proteolytic enzymes from microorganisms are the most widely used in different industries such as detergent, food, peptide production etc. Several marine microorganisms are known to produce proteases with commercially desirable characteristics. We have isolated nine different cultures from marine samples of the Indian Ocean. All of them were i) motile ii) rod shaped iii) non spore forming iv) catalase and amylase positive v) able to grow in presence of 10 percent NaCl. They produced acid from glucose, fructose and maltose and grew optimally at 30 0C temperature and pH 7.0-8.0. None of them could grow above 45 0C and below 15 0C. Only one of them (MBRI 7) exhibited extracellular protease activity on skim milk agar plates. Based on 16S rDNA sequencing, it belonged to the genus Marinobacter (98 percent sequence similarity, 1201 bp). The cell free extract was used to study effects of temperature and pH on protease activity. The optimum temperature and pH for activity were found to be 40 0C and 7.0 respectively. The crude enzyme was stable at temperature range of 30-80 0C and pH 5.0-9.0. It retained 60 percent activity at 80 0C after 4 h and more than 70 percent activity at 70 0C after 1 h. D value was found to be 342 minutes and 78 minutes for 40 0C and 80 0C respectively. Interestingly the enzyme remained 50 percent active at pH 9.0 after 1 h. Comparison with other proteases from different microbial sources indicated that the neutral protease from the halotolerant marine isolate MBRI 7 is a novel enzyme with high thermostability.