Isolation and identification of protease producing bacteria from belacan depik, a traditional fermented fish of the Gayo tribe

Abstract

Belacan depik is one of typical fermented fish product of the Gayo people. As a fermented product, scientific studies on microorganisms are still very limited. This study aims to isolate, characterize and identify bacteria from belacan depik especially those that capable of breaking down protein. This research is an exploratory research with implementation stages including the manufacture of belacan depik, isolation and characterization of bacteria, screening of protease producing bacteria and molecular identification. Four pure isolates were obtained at the isolation stage with varying morphological and biochemical characteristics. The screening results showed that only two isolates were able to break down the protein which was indicated by the formation of a halo zone during the test. These two bacteria were identified molecularly as Bacillus subtilis strain JS32V and Staphylococcus hominis strain OsEnb_ALM_C9. These two isolates need further confirmation of their ability as starters in improving the quality of belacan depik.