Isolation and bioactive potentials of Streptomyces from Tripura forest soil, North-east India

Abstract

Aim: The bioactive potential of Actinobacteria from Tripura forest soil, Northeast India was investigated in this study. Methodology: Sixty seven actinobacterial isolates recovered from six soil samples were screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The production of antimicrobial metabolites from the potential strain TFA59 was done by both solid state and submerged fermentation. The antimicrobial compounds were further extracted using ethyl acetate as solvent and the activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The actinobacterial strain TFA59 was characterized based on its phenotypic and molecular characteristics. Results: Antimicrobial activity was exhibited by 28 actinobacterial cultures against atleast one of the test pathogens. Among the solvents tested for extraction, only ethyl acetate extract exhibited activity against S. aureus (21 mm) and C. albicans (23 mm). The production of antimicrobial compounds by TFA59 was influenced by raffinose, starch, yeast extract and pH 7 when compared with other variables. Based on the phenotypic and molecular characterization, the strain TFA59 was identified as a species of the genus Streptomyces. Interpretation: This study concluded that the Streptomyces strains isolated from Tripura forest soil show potential in producing bioactive metabolites that are effective against wide range of pathogens. Key words: Actinobacteria, Antimicrobial, Bioprospecting, North-east India, Streptomyces