Screening of pectinase producing gram positive bacteria: Isolation and characterization

Abstract

Microbial pectinases are enzymes of industrial importance; they are being used commercially in a variety of ways such as clarifiation of the juices in beverage industries, tea making, and wastewater treatment among others. Th present investigation was undertaken to isolate pectinase-producing bacteria from local habitats. To enrich the diversity of isolated bacteria that produce pectinase, samples were collected from the soil, water, fruits and vegetables wastes. Initial screening of pectinase producing bacteria was carried out on pectin containing agar plates of pH 7 incubated at 37°C. Among isolated thirty-seven strains, a total of thirteen strains showed satisfactory pectinase productivity. Pectinase production of the thirteen strains was then determined qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Zones of hydrolysis produced by the bacterial strains were ranged from 0.9-2.6 mm2 in diameter. Enzyme production units were 59.0, 57.0, 58.0and 58.0 μg/ml/min by the bacterial isolates designated as BCTL-SL-197, BCTL-FL-24, BCTL-VL-23 and BCTL-FL-27, respectively. Bacterial growth was checked at diffrent pH and temperature conditions. Best growth was observed at pH 7 and at 37°C.