Isolation, screening and identification of actinobacteria with uricase activity: Statistical optimization of fermentation conditions for improved production of uricase by streptomyces rochei NEAE-25

Abstract

One hundred and thirty actinomycetes soil-isolates were screened for their uricase activity. The most promising isolate, strain NEAE-25, was selected and identified on the basis of morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical properties, together with 16S rRNA sequence as Streptomyces rochei NEAE-25 and the sequencing product was deposited in the database of GenBank under accession number HQ889312. The optimization of different process parameters for uricase production by Streptomyces rochei NEAE-25 and its validation using Plackett- Burman experimental design and response surface methodology was carried out during the present study. Fifteen variables were screened using Plackett-Burman experimental design. The most significant positive independent variables affecting enzyme production (incubation time, medium volume and uric acid concentration) were further optimized by central composite design. The maximum uricase production by Streptomyces rochei NEAE-25 after central composite design was 47.49 U mL -1 with a three-fold increase as compared to the unoptimized medium (16.1 U mL -1).