Isolation, Characterization and Enzymatic Potential of Epiphytic Bacteria Associated with the Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii

Abstract

Epiphytic bacteria on seaweed  plays an mportant role in nutrient cycling and are a natural source of carohydrases. In this study the epiphytic bacteria associated with red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii have been isolated and characterised by standard culture-based methods for the determination of their biochemical diversity and potential enzyme function. Their biochemical profile indicated the presence of metabolically versatile bacteria typical of the genera commonly found in marine macroalgae (Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and related taxa). The results suggest that polysaccharide degrading enzymes such as agarases, alginate lyases and cyto-carrageenases are produced, which are relevant for breaking down the components of the algal cell wall (agar and carrageenan). In summary, the results demonstrate the functional relevance of epiphytic bacteria for the degradation of structurally complex polysaccharides and the potential of Kappaphycus alvarezii as a source of enzymes for bio-engineering and environmental applications.