Isolation and culture properties of a thermophilic agarase-producing strain, Microbulbifer sp. SD-1

Abstract

An agar-degrading enzyme-producing strain was isolated from seawater. The isolate was identified as Microbulbifer sp. SD-1 by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The optimal pH and temperature for growth were 6.0 and 30°C, respectively, and growth was possible at pH 9.0 and 60°C. The isolate required 5% NaCl for optimal growth and showed 45% growth activity without NaCl. Agar concentrations of 0-0.4% in the medium did not affect growth. Thin-layer chromatography analysis revealed that this strain could degrade agar into a monosaccharide and oligosaccharide, which may have industrial applications. © The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science.