Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Bioplastic (Poly Hydroxy Butyrate) producing Bacteria from Termite Mound Soil

Author: M. Subasri*, V. Gomathi and J. Kavitha Mary

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Abstract

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is considered as a bio-plastic produced by a broad group of bacteria. This study was aimed to explore potential PHB producing bacteria from termite mound soil. Out of twenty isolates obtained from the termite ecosystem, six bacterial isolates namely PHB 01, PHB 02, PHB 03, PHB 04, PHB 05 and PHB 06 were positively stained for PHB production with the help of Sudan B Black and Nile blue staining. In addition to that, morphological and biochemical characterization of bacteria were revealed. PHB-producing strains were identified by molecular analysis (16S rRNA) and named Bacillus siamensis (PHB 01), Bacillus subtilis (PHB 02), Azotobacter chroococcum (PHB 03), Bacillus safensis (PHB 04), Pseudomonas sp (PHB 05) and Bacillus megaterium (PHB 06). All the selected PHB producers will be further utilized for the production of PHB using various nutrient sources to ensure sustainable production of bio plastics.

Keywords

Bacillus spp., Bio-plastic, PHB, 16S rRNA, termite mound soil.