Characteristic of indigenous Leuconostoc mesenteroides EN 17-11 protease and its stability during storage at cold and freezing temperatures

Protease as protein hydrolyzer is an imported enzyme used in the food and pharmaceutical industries in Indonesia. To reduce imports, indigenous lactic acid bacteria can be used as a source of protease. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of indigenous Leuconostoc mesenteroides EN 17-11 protease and its stability during storage at cold and freezing temperatures. Protease activity was detected using the modified Horikoshi method. The protease stability after storage was tested at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Relative protease activity with a value ≥50% indicates protease activity in stable conditions. All treatments were statistically analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that the optimum protease activity of L. mesenteroides EN 17-11 was reached at pH 6.0 with activity of 0.9970 U/ml and temperature of 40°C with activity of 1.1166 U/ml (p