Thermostable Proteases from Geobacillus: Production, Characterization, Structural Stability Mechanisms and Biotechnological Applications

Proteases play key roles in many industrial processes and account for the majority of global enzyme sales. Geobacillus isolates from extreme environments such as marine hydrothermal vents are capable of producing high yields of proteases with thermophilic properties. Many proteases produced by Geobacillus species have been extensively studied, some of which have been purified and characterized. In addition, the high thermal stability largely depends on structural stability. Based on X-ray crystallography, several factors have been found to affect the structural stability of the thermostable proteases of Geobacillus. Moreover, the thermostable proteases of Geobacillus have a wide range of biotechnological applications, such as in detergent, food, bioremediation, leather-processing and textile industries. Therefore, this review focusses on the thermostable proteases of Geobacillus, including their characteristics, structural stability mechanisms and biotechnological applications. It will help the development of utilizing thermostable protease resources and enhancing their suitability for use in various industrial applications.