This chapter discusses the molecular approaches and industrial applications of bacterial alkaline proteases. Proteolytic enzymes, essential for cell growth and differentiation, are found in all living organisms and have significant commercial value. While many microbial sources produce proteases, only a few are commercially viable. Notable bacterial alkaline proteases include subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin BPN', and Savinase, primarily used as detergent enzymes. Mutations have led to the development of newer protease preparations with improved catalytic efficiency and stability. Techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis and random mutagenesis have been used to create variants like Durazym, Maxapem, and Purafect. Directed evolution has also led to a variety of subtilisin variants with enhanced specificities and stability. Molecular imprinting through conditional lyophilization is emerging as a promising method for protein engineering. The search for novel alkaline proteases in the "metagenome" approach aims to uncover a vast molecular diversity, allowing the biotechnological exploitation of uncultured microorganisms. The chapter reviews the types and sources of proteases, methods to improve protease yield, new methods for developing novel proteases, and the applications of alkaline proteases in various industrial sectors, with a focus on the detergent industry.This chapter discusses the molecular approaches and industrial applications of bacterial alkaline proteases. Proteolytic enzymes, essential for cell growth and differentiation, are found in all living organisms and have significant commercial value. While many microbial sources produce proteases, only a few are commercially viable. Notable bacterial alkaline proteases include subtilisin Carlsberg, subtilisin BPN', and Savinase, primarily used as detergent enzymes. Mutations have led to the development of newer protease preparations with improved catalytic efficiency and stability. Techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis and random mutagenesis have been used to create variants like Durazym, Maxapem, and Purafect. Directed evolution has also led to a variety of subtilisin variants with enhanced specificities and stability. Molecular imprinting through conditional lyophilization is emerging as a promising method for protein engineering. The search for novel alkaline proteases in the "metagenome" approach aims to uncover a vast molecular diversity, allowing the biotechnological exploitation of uncultured microorganisms. The chapter reviews the types and sources of proteases, methods to improve protease yield, new methods for developing novel proteases, and the applications of alkaline proteases in various industrial sectors, with a focus on the detergent industry.