The thermostable esterase from the moderate thermophile Bacillus circulans was purified to homogeneity using a four-step procedure. Esterase activity was associated with a protein of molecular mass 95 kDa, composed of three identical subunits of 30 kDa. The esterase activity was thermostable with a maximum activity at 55 degrees C using initial rate assay. The half-inactivation temperature was 71 degrees C after a 1-h treatment, which compared favorably to that of other enzymes. Activity at temperatures of 30-37 degrees C was high (about half of maximum), making this new enzyme very attractive for applications in this moderate temperature range. The esterase also showed high activity at a rather alkaline pH (higher than 10). The specificity pattern showed a marked specificity for mid-chain-length fatty acids (3-8 carbon atoms), which classified the enzyme as a carboxylesterase.