Optimization of fibrinogenolytic activity of subtilisin-like protease (SBTc-3) by response surface methodology.

The aim of this study was to optimize conditions to enhance fibrinogenolytic activity of subtilisin-like protease (SBTc-3). The effects of STBc-3 concentration (0.2-5 μM), pH value (6-10) and temperature (35-50 °C) on fibrinogenolytic activity were studied through response surface methodology (RSM). We obtained a model that predicts the response accurately. The relationship between enzyme concentration and fibrinogenolytic activity was linear, while the main effect from pH and temperature on the response was quadratic. From the RSM generated model the optimum pH was 8 and the optimum temperature was 43 °C, while higher concentrations of enzyme produce higher activities. Under optimum conditions there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental responses and the ones predicted from the model. This model also predicts the activity under physiological conditions. These results confirm that STBc-3 is a good candidate to be considered for therapeutic uses. The generated model will be useful for biotechnological purposes.