Isolation and molecular characterization of phytase producing bacteria from Malaysia hot springs

Abstract

Potential phytase producing bacterial were isolated from different hot springs in Malaysia which were Labis (Johor), Dusun Tua (Selangor), Ulu Legong (Kedah) and Ranau (Sabah). All bacterial samples were grown in Phytase Screening Media (PSM) at temperatures of 37 °C, 45 °C, 50 °C and 55 °C for four days. Out of all samples tested, five isolates have showed clearing zone surrounding the colony which indicates presence of phytase activity. The strains were further analyzed in broth culture using sodium phytate as substrate. Among them, strain L3 was selected as the best producer (0.16 U/ml after 72 h of culture). This phytase showed optimal activity at 37 °C and pH5.5, demonstrating appropriate character for application in feed of several industrial processes. Blast homology of 16S rRNA gene sequence of isolate L3 identified 99% similarity to Acinetobacter baumannii.

Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; phytase; phytic acid