Properties of actinomycetes from the rhizosphere of Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. (Booth Island, maritime Antarctica)

Abstract

Aim. Investigate the biological properties of actinomycetes from the rhizosphere of Colobanthus quitensis (Kunth) Bartl. and study their ability to produce bioactive compounds. Methods. Microbiological (isolation, synthesis of bioactive compounds), genetic and genetic engineering (isolation and analysis of total DNA, DNA gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing), bioinformatic (phylogenetic analysis) methods. Results. 21 actinomycete isolates were obtained from the samples of C. quitensis rhizosphere. Half of the isolates exhibited antagonistic properties towards at least one of 17 test cultures of pathogenic and phytopathogenic microorganisms. Some strains exhibited both antibacterial and antifungal activities. The majority of isolates (70-95 %) produced proteases, amylases, cellulases, almost 42 % – nitrate reductases, 20-25 % – pectinases and lipases, respectively. Conclusions. A collection of Antarctic actinomycetes has been created and characterized, which is promising for evaluating their metabolic potential as producers of antibiotics.