Compatibility of alkaline xylanases from an alkaliphilic Bacillus NCL (87-6-10) with commercial detergents and proteases.

Alkaline xylanases from alkaliphilic Bacillus strains NCL (87-6-10) and Sam III were compared with the commercial xylanases Pulpzyme HC and Biopulp for their compatibility with detergents and proteases for laundry applications. Among the four xylanases evaluated, the enzyme from the alkaliphilic Bacillus strain NCL (87-6-10) was the most compatible. The enzyme retained its full activity (40 degrees C for 1 h) in the presence of detergents, whereas Pulpzyme HC and Sam III showed only 30% and 50% of their initial activity, respectively. Biopulp, though stable to detergents, had only marginal activity (5%)at pH 10. However, all four enzymes retained significant activity (80%) for 60 min in the presence of the proteases Alcalase and Conidiobolus protease. Supplementation of the enzyme enhanced the cleaning ability of the detergents.