Amylase activity of a yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from cassava waste

Abstract

This study investigated the amylase activity of a yellow pigmented bacterium isolated from cassava wastes obtained from a dumpsite near a gari processing factory in Ibadan, Nigeria. Isolate was grown in nutrient broth containing 1% starch and then centrifuged at 5,000 rpm. Amylase activity was assayed using the DNSA method for the detection of reducing sugar. Best enzyme activity was recorded at 30ºC and pH 7.5. The amylase was found to be stable after exposure to temperatures between 20 and 40ºC
and pH 6.0 to 9.0, outside which there was a decline in activity. The ability of the isolate to produce amylase explains its colonization of a cassava waste dumpsite. Conditions of activity and stability also agree with the growth condition of the isolate.