A novel thermostable esterase (Est-gela) was cloned from Bacillus gelatini KACC 12197.
The Est-gela belonged to family VIII of esterases.
The biochemical characterization of Est-gela was investigated.
The Est-gela showed a strong enzymatic activity toward short acyl chains.
The Est-gela showed higher thermostability than thermostable esterase from other Bacillus.