ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PECTINASE-PRODUCING BACTERIA FROM DECAYED PASSION FRUIT ( PASSIFLORA EDULIS) SOIL SAMPLE.
Abstract
Pectinases are industrially important enzymes that catalyze the degradation of pectin, a polysaccharide found in the plant cell wall. These enzymes have wide applications in the food, textile, paper, and waste management industries. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise pectinase-producing bacteria from decayed passion fruits soil samples collected from two different locations. A total of five bacterial isolates (BS1, BS2, BS3, FWD1, and FWD2) were obtained and subjected to qualitative pectinase screening on pectin agar, and clear zones of hydrolysis were measured. Quantitative enzyme activity was assessed spectrophotometrically using the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method. The isolates were characterised using morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results showed that isolates from the BS location exhibited higher pectinolytic activity than those from the FWD location, with BS2 producing the largest clear zone (40 mm). The highest pectinase activity of 0.98U/mL was recorded for FWD1. Biochemical profiling suggested that BS3 may belong to Bacillus specie. Soil containing decayed Passion fruits harbour diverse bacterial populations capable of producing pectinase.
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