Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermococcus celer, Thermococcus stetteri or Thermococcus litoralis, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0-10.

Abstract: An enzyme composition containing keratinase is obtained from Fervidobacterium pennavorans DSM 7003. The composition is capable of degradating keratin-containing substrates such as feathers, hair and horn within a few days at between 50.degree. and 105.degree. C. and at a pH of between 4 and 12 under anaerobic conditions. A pH of 10.5 and a temperature of 70.degree. C. or greater are preferred. Dissolving of the substrate can be at least 50% by weight after 24 hours, and in 1 to 4 days the entire substrate can be dissolved. Pretreatment of the substrate at a temperature of 120.degree. C. or greater is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermostable pullulanases endogenous to the strain Fervidobacterium sp. Ven 5, DSM 6204, or a mutant thereof which is capable of producing the pullulanase having (a) a temperature optimum in the range 80-90.degree. C.; (b) a pH optimum in the range of 5-7; and (c) at least 60% residual activity after 24 hours of incubation at pH 6.0. The invention also relates to the use of the pullulanases in starch converting processes, and to saccharification processes.

Abstract: A hyperthermostable alpha-amylase is provided by culturing strains of Pyococcus. These enzymes are of great interest for industrial applications, for example in starch liquefaction processes. The microorganisms Pyococcus woesei or Pyococcus furiosus are capable of producing the desired alpha-amylase with the following properties:(a) a pH optimum between 4.0 and 6.0;(b) a temperature optimum between 80 and 120 degrees centigrade;(c) an activity which is essentially independent of calcium ions; and(d) a residual activity of 100% after one hour at 90 degrees centigrade and of at least 80% after one hour at 100 degrees centigrade in the presence of stabilizing amounts of substrate.

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermosetable protease from Staphylothermus marinus, a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 90.degree.-100.degree. C. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.5-10.

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermobacteroides proteolyticus, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75 to 95.degree. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.5-10.0.

Abstract: At least one type of excretable, thermostable amylolytic enzyme, such as amylase and pullulanase, can be recovered from a culture medium in which thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, such as Thermoanaerobacter finii or Thermobacteroides acetoethylicus, are propagated anaerobically in continuous culture, in the presence of a higher saccharide as carbon source, such an enzyme having a high stability at temperatures between 60.degree. and 70.degree. C. in absence of metal ions and substrate and under aerobic conditions.