Isolation and characterization of actinomycetes from soil samples and screening their antibacterial activity

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was isolation, purification and characterization of Actinomycetes from different soil samples, bioactive compounds produced from Actinomycetes spp, having antimicrobial activity against 6 selected pathogenic strains and degradation of biodegradable plastics. Actinomycetes spp. are the most widely distributed group of microorganisms in nature which is primarily in the soil. Soil samples were taken from different habitats in Chennai. Potential isolates of Actinomycetes colonies were screened and purified. Isolates of Actinomycetes colonies were characterized by morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. These colony isolates were subjected to extraction of bioactive compounds. Antibacterial activity of the purified extract of isolates were evaluated. The colony isolates were tested for antimicrobial activity against 6 selected pathogenic strains. Solvent Phase crude extract and Intermediate Phase crude extract showed strong inhibition of growth of bacterial organisms in Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus spp, except Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas spp. Degradation of Biodegradable Plastics have been evaluated against Actinomycetes spp. These colony isolates have antibacterial activity and can be used in the development of new antibiotics for pharmaceutical compounds and also as a biocontrol agent against pathogenic fungi.