Identification of Four Thermophilic Geobacillus Isolates from Hammam Pharaon, Sinai, Egypt

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify thermophilic bacteria from local habitats and to test their ability for producing thermostable α-Amylase, cellulase, lipase and protease in order to pave the way for their use in industrial processes. Out of 29 isolates initially obtained mainly from Hammam Pharaon, four potential isolates were selected based on thermo-tolerance ability and enzyme activity. The four isolates were characterized using phenotypic and 16S rRNA sequencing which recognized the isolates as Geobacillus. All four isolates were found to be variable for indole test, methyl red and rod shaped morphology. However, they were found to be variable for citrate utilization, catalase test starch hydrolysis, gelatin hydrolysis, casein hydrolysis, and Tween 80 hydrolysis. These bacteria grow at temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°C and the pH ranged from 6 to 9. This study added a lot to our knowledge about the thermophilic bacteria inhabiting Hammam Pharaon and their characters that would open the door for their use in biotechnological applications..