Molecular Profiling of Isolated Bioluminescence Strain and its Optimization Studies

Abstract

Introduction: Bioluminescence, the emission of visible light by living organisms, has gained attention for its potential applications in environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Potential biotechnological uses for bioluminescent marine bacteria include the identification of hazardous and mutagenic substances in marine environments. For nearly fifty years, luciferase and oxidoreductase-producing fluorescent microorganisms have been used to create diverse preparations for drug biotesting.

Objectives: The study aimed to identify and characterize fluorescent bacteria from squid collected in Tamilnadu, India, for their potential utility in toxicity assessments and pollution detection

Methods: Samples of fresh squid were gathered from the Kavangarai fish market in Tamilnadu. Inoculate the sample in SWC agar plate with a swab, incubate it for 24 hours at 35°C, and look for bright colonies in the dark The morphological investigations were conducted using the gram staining method. the genus level determination via biochemical testing. The Biobee Spin EXpure Microbial DNA isolation kit, created by Bogar Bio Bee Shops Pvt Ltd, was used to isolate DNA from microbial samples. The optimization of pH, Glycerol and Nacl was noted. Various concentrations of heavy metals, including copper sulphate, ferrous sulphate, aluminium hydroxide, and zinc sulphate, were calculated using spectrophotometer. Using a disk diffusion assay, the isolates' susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs was investigated.

Results: DNA isolation revealed the presence of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria closely aligned with Vibrio harveyi. The strain exhibited resistance to heavy metals, particularly aluminum sulfate, indicating their tolerance to environmental pollutants. The V. harveyi strain exhibited resistance to various antibiotics, while V. harveyi showed susceptibility to gentamycin. These findings suggest that these bacteria have developed adaptive mechanisms to withstand environmental stresses and antibiotic treatments

Conclusions: The research highlights the potential of bioluminescent bacteria as bioindicators for marine pollution and provides insights into their resilience to environmental contaminants.