Isolation and screening of actinomycetes producing cellulase and xylanase from Mamasa soil, West Sulawesi

Abstract

Actinomycetes are Gram-positive bacteria with high G+C content that important for nutrient recycling of natural substrates and degradation of soil organic material. Actinomycetes can secrete enzymes to degrade organic material such as lignocellulose. Some enzymes produced by actinomycetes for degradation of lignocellulose including cellulase and xylanase. The aim of this study was to isolate actinomycetes from soil originated from Mamasa, West Sulawesi, Indonesia, and screen their cellulase and xylanase activity. A total of 57 isolates of actinomycetes have been isolated using SDS-YE method. Those isolates were screened for their cellulase and xylanase activity. The abilities of actinomycetes to degrade cellulose and xylan were observed by clear zone on CMC agar medium and xylan agar medium. Out of 57 isolates, 17 isolates produced cellulase; five isolates produced xylanase and three isolates produced both cellulase and xylanase. After the identification of potential isolates, the cellulolytic actinomycetes were identified belong to 6 genera (Asanoa, Dactylosporangium, Kitasatospora, Nonomurae, Streptomyces, and Streptosporangium). Meanwhile, the xylanolytic actinomycetes were identified belong to 3 genera (Asanoa, Kribella, and Streptomyces). The result showed that the ability of actinomycetes to produce cellulase and xylanase were very low. Therefore isolation of actinomycetes from the specific substrate is necessary to be conducted.