Isolation, Screening, and Identification of Pectin Degrading Bacteria from Soil

Abstract

Pectin, a complex polysaccharide, undergoes degradation facilitated by the enzyme pectinase, marking a significant focus in enzymology. The heightened interest in pectinase production stems from its extensive applications in bioremediation and various industrial sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Microorganisms and plants serve as the primary sources of pectinase enzymes, with microbial pectinases gaining preference in industries due to economic considerations. This study aimed to isolate, screen, and identify pectin-degrading bacteria from diverse soil samples. The confirmation of pectinase production by bacterial isolates was achieved through the utilization of a pectinase screening agar medium (PSAM). Notably, four pectin-degrading bacterial strains were successfully isolated from soil samples collected from the Thoseghar hilly area in the Satara district. These strains include Enterobacter cloaceae amol2223, Enterobacter cloaceae Nazneen23, Acinetobacter junii Asmita23, and Bacillus vallismortis Amol12.