The enzymes used are all produced using species of Bacillus, mainly by just two companies. Novo Industri A/S produce and supply three proteases, Alcalase, from B. licheniformis, Esperase, from an alkalophilic strain of a B. licheniformis and Savinase, from an alkalophilic strain of B. amyloliquefaciens (often mistakenly attributed to B. subtilis). GistBrocades produce and supply Maxatase, from B. licheniformis. Alcalase and Maxatase (both mainly subtilisin) are recommended for use at 10-65�C and pH 7-10.5. Savinase and Esperase may be used at up to pH 11 and 12, respectively. The a-amylase supplied for detergent use is Termamyl, the enzyme from B. licheniformis which is also used in the production of glucose syrups. a-Amylase is particularly useful in dish-washing and de-starching detergents.
In addition to the granulated forms intended for use in detergent powders, liquid preparations in solution in water and slurries of the enzyme in a non-ionic surfactant are available for formulating in liquid 'spotting' concentrates, used for removing stubborn stains. Preparations containing both Termamyl and Alcalase are produced, Termamyl being sufficiently resistant to proteolysis to retain activity for long enough to fulfil its function.