ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHITINOLYTIC MICROORGANISMS FROM MARINE SOIL OF GUJARAT

Abstract

The current study was focused on isolation and screening of chitinolytic bacteria from marine soil samples. Marine environments serve as an abundant source of chitin waste obtained from exoskeletons of crustaceans. In this regard, marine soil samples can be considered potential sources for chitin degrading bacteria. Total four samples of marine soils were collected and used for the isolation of microorganisms. Bacteria were isolated and tested for chitin-degrading ability by using the colloidal chitin agar medium. Isolation of chitinolytic microbes were done through serial dilution and spread plate method. Microbes producing chitinases were selected based on the presence of a clear zone of chitin degradation surrounding the colony. Total six bacterial colonies were isolated, out of six two bacterial isolates selected on the bases of high chitinolytic activity. These two potential strains were then characterized morphologically and biochemically. The molecular identification of the effective chitin degradation isolates was done using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolates J and Yz were identified as Brevibacillus schisleri and Pseudomonas indica respectively.