acillus subtilis cells entrapped in an agarose gel matrix were used for the hydrolysis of soya meal protein. A maximum hydrolysis in terms of tyrosine content 31·8 mg tyrosine) was observed at pH 7·0–7·5 and temperature 55°C in 4 h with a cell concentration of 25% (w/v). The hydrolysate consisted of 3·8% (w/v) solid content.