A novel alkaline lipase showing a broad range of specificity towards long chain triacylglycerols or p-nitrophenyl esters was purified to homogeneity from Acinetobacter radioresistens CMC-1. Its molecular mass was 45 kDa (by SDS-PAGE), pi of approx. 5.2, and optimally activity at 10.5 and 40 degrees C. Using triolein as substrate, the lipase showed 1,3-positional specificity for hydrolyzing ester bonds. The enzyme was activated in 40% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide and 20% (v/v) dimethylformamide.