Production of Lipase by <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> under Various Growth Conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Staphylococcus aureus produces an extracellular lipase in a synthetic medium. The composition of the medium affected the amount of enzyme produced: medium containing 2% of peptone was optimal for enzyme production. Tweens added to the media decreased the amount of lipase synthesized depending on the concentration used and the nature of the fatty acid bound to the molecule of polyoxyethylene sorbitan. Carbohydrates that the bacteria could metabolize inhibited lipase production. Bile salts and NaCl decreased the amount of enzyme produced. Optimum lipase production was at pH 7·5 and 37°. The conditions for synthesis of staphylococcal lipase are similar to those described for other bacterial lipases and different from those described for fungi.