THERMOHALOPHILIC BACTERIA PRODUCING THERMOSTABLE LIPASE FROM WAWOLESEA HOT SPRING, SOUTHEAST SULAWESI
This study aimed to isolate and characterize thermohalophilic bacteria producing lipase and to purify thermostable lipase from the Wawolesea hot spring in Southeast Sulawesi. A total of 24 isolates were obtained, all of which demonstrated lipase-producing capability. Three selected isolates (BT2.M3, CT2.M4, and DT1.M2) were identified as Gram-negative bacilli and showed lipase activities ranging from 0.17 to 21 U/mL, with the highest activity recorded for BT2.M3 at 50°C and pH 6. Purification through ammonium sulfate fractionation yielded the highest activity in the 60–80% saturation fraction (43 U/mL) at pH 6–7 and 50–60°C. Protein analysis showed the highest concentration in the 80% dialysis fraction (0.954 mg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of Wawolesea thermohalophilic bacteria as a valuable source of thermostable lipase for biotechnological applications.