Raghunath Mahajan - Department of Zoology, Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon, India
Gunjan Chaudhari - Department of Biochemistry, Moolji Jaitha College, Jalgaon, India
Manoj Chopadaa - Department of Zoology, Moolji Jaitha College,Jalgaon, India

Proteases catalyze the hydrolysis of peptide bonds in proteins. They are widely distributed in nature, nearly in all plants, animals and microorganisms. Plant latexis a rich source of proteases. Latex production is unique property of Euphorbian plant, which could be a potential source of proteolytic enzymes. The highest proteolytic activity was observed in the latex of Pedilanthus tithymaloides Linn., which is followed by lattices of Euphorbia tirucalli Linn., Euphorbia nivuliaBuch.-Ham., and Euphorbia nerifolia Linn. Therefore, P. tithymaloides, E. tirucalli, E. nivulia, and E. nerifolia lattices were selected as potential sources ofproteases. These proteases were effectively used to remove hair from goat skin indicating its potential in leather processing industry. These proteolytic enzymes showed potential environmental waste management applications such as degradationof chicken feather waste. Additionally, the crude enzymes of the selected plants exhibited potent gelatinolytic activity almost correlated to release of silverfrom waste X–ray film. They also showed remarkable destaining property, indicating their importance in detergent industry. These enzymes have remarkable silk degumming property demonstrating their use in textile industries.

Plant Protease, Latex, Euphorbiaceae, Biotechnological Applications