Abstract:Response surface analysis was applied to optimize the medium for production of neutral protease. The result showed that the optimum medium formula compositions were flour 2.24 g, peanut meal 8.46 g and calcium chloride 0.028 g, under which the neutral protease activity was up to 15559.40 U/g. The optimum pH and temperature for neutral protease were 7.0 and 50 ℃, respectively. The protease was stable at pH 5.0~7.0 and at 40~55 ℃. The tested metal ions did not significantly activate the protease, while the ions Ba2+, Fe2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ strongly inhabited its activity.