Normal feed forward back-propagation artificial neural network (ANN) and cubic backward elimination response surface methodology (RSM) were used to build a predictive model of the combined effects and optimization of culture parameters for the lipase production of a newly isolated
Staphylococcus xylosus
. The results demonstrated a high predictive accuracy of artificial neural network compared to response surface methodology. The optimum operating condition obtained from the ANN model was found to be at 30°C incubation temperature, pH 7.5, 60 hrs incubation period, 1.8% inoculum size and 60 rpm agitation. The lipase production increased 3.5 fold for optimal medium. The produced enzyme was characterized biochemically and this is the first report about a mesophilic staphylococci bacterium with a high thermostable lipase which is able to retain 50% of its activity at 70°C after 90 min and at 60°C after 120 min. This lipase is also acidic and alkaline resistant which remains active after 24 hrs in a broad range of pH (4-11).