Iodine Potassium Iodide Research Articles

Distribution of Starch in Trunkwood of Catalpa bungei ‘Jinsi’: A Revelation on the Metabolic Process of Energy Storage Substances

Starch is stored in thin-walled tissue of wood for several years or even decades. Starch reserves vary by anatomical structure, growth ring, and tree species. The spatial distribution pattern of starch in Catalpa bungei ‘Jinsi’ wood is unclear. We sampled three C. bungei ‘Jinsi’ trees at the end of the growing season and cut discs from their trunks to stain starch granules in wood ray cells with iodine–potassium iodide. We studied starch content in the ray cells of the trunks’ height position (stump, breast height, and crown base) from pith to bark in four directions (west, east, south, north) of the tree. There was a significant difference in starch content in three trunk height positions (p < 0.01), with stump (4.06 to 92.16%) > breast height (6.05 to 69.05%) > crown base (3.89 to 47.04%). There was a significant difference in starch content in different directions at the same height position. In the radial direction, the starch content of sapwood was much higher than that of heartwood, and the starch content showed an overall decreasing trend from bark to pith. The results indicated that starch distribution in tree trunks is uneven, which is related to energy metabolism processes, especially heartwood formation. This will contribute to further research on improving wood quality through the C. bungei ‘Jinsi’ tree breeding program.

Introgressing photoperiod/thermo-sensitive genic male sterile gene into Basmati 370 rice

The emasculation of male gametes in pollen-recipient parents among self-pollinated crops (rice) is key to producing quality hybrid rice seeds. One of the emasculation tools in rice breeding is the photoperiod-thermo sensitive genic male sterility (P/TGMS) method, which ultimately requires long daylight length and high-temperature growth conditions to induce male gametes sterility. Using the P/TGMS method to produce hybrid Basmati rice seeds has been slow because no commercial line has been developed. Crossing the Basmati rice line with a non-aromatic rice line produces F1 with non-basmati quality traits. This study aimed to introgress the p/tgms12-1 gene into Basmati 370 by treating P/TGMS lines (IR-7327-2376-157S and IR-75589-31-27833S) with daytime temperatures (>33ºC) under a polythene greenhouse to emasculate pollen and cross-pollinating them with Basmati 370. Marker-assisted backcrossing was used to develop the BC1F2 Basmati breeding lines evaluated for pollen sterility and agro-morphological traits. Pollen sterility was tested by staining with 1% iodine potassium-iodide solution (I2KI), in which fertile and sterile pollen grains were stained with blue-black and yellow-pink dyes, respectively. The acquisition of near-complete pollen sterility among female parents is a manifestation of the greenhouse temperatures effectively emasculating pollen in P/TGMS parents and BC1F2. Analysis of variance on agro-morphological data showed significantly better agro-morphological traits in BC1F2 than the parents and significantly higher pollen sterility in P/TGMS lines than Basmati 370 (P≤0.05). The presence of the fgr gene in BC1F2 lines was confirmed using SSR markers, and the hybrids had both homozygous aromatic and heterozygous non-aromatic traits, the successful development of BC1F2 with p/tgms12-1 and fgr genes. The results obtained from this study are a major milestone towards improving Basmati rice yields in Kenya using hybrid seeds.

Pollen Characteristics of Diploid and Tetraploid Grape Cultivars

For a successful grapevine breeding program, pollen viability, germination ability, and cultivar compatibility information are of vital importance. In this study, pollen viability, germination rates, pollen tube lengths, and pollen tube diameters of three grape cultivars [Kyoho (4n), Ekşi Kara (2n), and Gök Üzüm (2n)] were investigated. Pollen viability rates were determined using the IKI (iodine potassium iodide) staining test. In vitro, pollen germination rates were determined using a semi-solid medium containing 20% ​​sucrose and 1% agar. As a result, significant differences were detected in pollen viability, germination rates, and pollen tube lengths of the examined grape cultivars. The first germination started at the 48th hour in all three grape cultivars. In cv. Ekşi Kara had the highest pollen viability while the lowest (3.05%) value in terms of pollen germination was determined. Pollen tube length and pollen tube diameter of the cv. Kyoho had higher values ​​than the other two diploid cultivars. Pollen tube formation started in the first 48th hours, while pollen tube growth continued to increase until the 96th hours. As a result, it was confirmed that the flower structure of the cv. Ekşi Kara was functionally female. In suitable ecologies, diploid cv. Gök Üzüm and tetraploid cv. Kyoho were found to be usable as pollinators.

Comparing nuclear DNA content, pollen viability, pollen production and seed retention of lavender and lavandin

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is one of the most widely grown essential oil crops in the world. This study aimed to determine the nuclear DNA contents using flow cytometry, pollen viability using TTC (2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride) and IKI (Iodine Potassium Iodide) tests, pollen production quantities using hemacytometric method, and seed retention rates per spike and flower of lavender (L. angustifolia var. Raya) and lavandin (L. intermedia var. Super) grown under ecological conditions in Isparta province of Turkey. The nuclear DNA contents were 2.11 and 2.54 pg 2C-1, respectively in the lavender and lavandin cultivar. The flowers of the lavender cultivar produced abundant pollen grains (average 5800 pollen per flower and 1450 pollen per anther) with high viability (60.65-65.05%) and seed retention rate per spike (91.57% on average). The lavandin cultivar, which had very low pollen viability (1.08-3.32%) and pollen grains (average of 2350 pollen per flower and 587.5 pollen per anther) gave very low seed retention rates per spike (0.60% on average). While each flower had four ovaries with the potential to produce four nutlets, lavandin flowers produced only trace numbers (0.15% on average) of seeds. As a result, the lavandin cultivar had more nuclear DNA content, longer stem and spike, smaller size but more numerous flowers, less and lighter anthers, lower pollen grains and viability, and vey few inviabile seeds compared to the lavender cultivar. It has been observed by eye that honey bees do not visit lavender and lavandin flowers for collecting pollen, but solely for collecting nectar.

High-Resolution Iodine-Enhanced Micro-Computed Tomography of Intact Human Hearts for Detailed Coronary Microvasculature Analyses.

Identifying the detailed anatomies of the coronary microvasculature remains an area of research; one needs to develop methods for non-destructive, high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging of these vessels for computational modeling. Currently employed Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) protocols for vasa vasorum analyses require organ dissection and, in most cases, non-clearable contrast agents. Here, we describe a method developed for a non-destructive, economical means to achieve high-resolution images of the human coronary microvasculature without organ dissection. Formalin-fixed human hearts were cannulated using venogram balloon catheters, which were then fixed into the specimen's aortic root. The canulated hearts, protected by a polyethylene bag, were placed in radiolucent containers filled with insulating polyurethane foam to reduce movement. For vasculature staining, iodine potassium iodide (IKI, Lugol's solution; 6.3% Potassium Iodide, 4.1% Iodide) was injected. Contrast distributions were monitored using a North Star Imaging X3000 micro-CT scanner with low-radiation settings, followed by high-radiation scanning (3600 rad, 60 kV, 900 mA) for the final high-resolution imaging. We successfully imaged four intact human hearts presenting with chronic total coronary occlusions of the right coronary artery. This imaging enabled detailed analyses of the vasa vasorum surrounding stenosed and occluded segments. After imaging, the hearts were cleared of iodine and excess polyurethane foam and returned to their initial formalin-fixed state for indefinite storage. Conclusions: the described methodologies allow for the non-destructive, high-resolution micro-CT imaging of coronary microvasculature in intact human hearts, paving the way for detailed computational 3D microvascular reconstructions with a macrovascular context.

Determining appropriate methods for estimating pollen viability and germination rates in lisianthus

Crossbreeding is a multi-stage process with inherent challenges and risks in developing new varieties. Success hinges on selecting highly fertile parents. In species like lisianthus, uncertainty persists regarding the optimal methods for assessing pollen quality, which is crucial for evaluating pollen parent fertility. This study seeks to identify the most reliable techniques for this purpose. Fresh and dead pollen from four lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) varieties was used. The dead pollen was obtained by thermal inactivation. Five chemical staining methods (iodine-potassium iodide, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride – TTC, lactophenol cotton blue, safranin, acetocarmine) were employed to assess pollen viability, and two biological methods (Petri dishes, hanging drops) were used to determine the germination rate. Four solid medium cultures were employed in Petri dishes, while the hanging drop utilised four liquid medium cultures. Thirteen tests were conducted for each variety, evaluating fresh and dead pollen. The study found significant variations in pollen quality among lisianthus varieties and methods. Fresh pollen showed viability rates ranging from 56.87% to 99.41% and germination rates from 0.20% to 45.11%. TTC exhibited the lowest viability rate across all varieties, while the highest germination rate was observed in the liquid culture medium with only boric acid and PEG1500. Notably, TTC was the sole viability method that did not stain dead pollen, and no germination occurred in any method for dead pollen. TTC is the most reliable staining method, and a liquid culture medium with boric acid and PEG1500 effectively determines lisianthus pollen quality. Varying boric acid and PEG1500 concentrations are advisable.

Using Low-cost Dyes to Visualize Glycogen Accumulation and Gut Integrity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a transparent, non-parasitic nematode with a simple biology, which makes it a great tool for biological sciences teaching through the staining of the cells or their molecular content. Lugol dye (iodine-potassium iodide solution) has been widely used in biochemistry to stain glycogen stores. In this context, it is possible to observe differences between fed and starved animals, besides the effects of different conditions, such as different diets and oxygen levels. Erioglaucine is a blue dye that indicates the loss of the intestinal barrier. When the intestinal barrier is intact, the blue dye stains inside the lumen; however, when this integrity is disrupted, the dye leaks into the body cavity. Using a stereomicroscope or a microscope, teachers can demonstrate physiological and biochemical alterations, or they can instigate students to ask a scientific question and hypothesize and test their hypothesis using these assays. The present protocol describes two staining techniques in C. elegans that can be easily carried out by students.

Case Series: Mixed Infectious Keratitis by Pythium insidiosum and Fungal Species.

This case series is the first to illustrate mixed infection from Pythium sp. and fungal species in corneal ulcer. This case series aimed to alert all toward the possibility of both Pythium sp. and fungal species infection in case of nonresponding corneal ulcer treated with either antifungals or antipythium drugs alone. Increased suspicion of mixed infection in case of nonresponding fungal/ Pythium keratitis may facilitate early and prompt management. Six patients presented with signs of either fungal or Pythium keratitis. They underwent ophthalmological examinations, smear examinations, cultures, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was performed in cases where symptoms worsened after treatment with either antifungal or antipythium drugs. The half corneal button (HCB) was shared for histopathological and microbiological examinations. In the first case, smear examination from corneal scraping (CS) revealed Pythium -like filaments, which were confirmed with PCR; however, Aspergillus nidulans grew in culture. In the second case, iodine-potassium iodide (IKI) staining was positive for Pythium ; however, PCR was positive for both Pythium and fungus, which was further confirmed by DNA sequencing. In the third case, IKI staining and HCB were positive for Pythium ; however, PCR was positive for fungus, which was identified as Candida saitoana with DNA sequencing. In the fourth case, Pythium grew in the CS culture; however, Candida sp. grew in the HCB culture. In the fifth case, Cladosporium sp. grew in culture from CS; however, Pythium insidiosum grew from the anterior chamber exudate after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. In the sixth case, smear examination revealed septate fungal filaments, and Cladosporium sp. grew in culture; however, HCB on histopathological examination showed features of Pythium keratitis. In unresponsive cases of Pythium or fungal keratitis, diagnostic modalities such as IKI and PCR should be implemented as a routine practice, in addition to smears and cultures.

Visualization, modeling and analysis of salmon muscle structure: Based on micro-CT

Seafood analogs using culture cells or plant-based materials are rising for future food supply, but their bionic design is still an issue on finely simulating the multiscale structure and function of fishes. For salmon, we compared the back, belly and tail tissues via micro computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning with optimized tissue contrast and spatial resolution. The optimum staining conditions of salmon muscle tissue for micro-CT was 3.75 % IKI (iodine-potassium iodide) solution for 7 days, and the muscle could be separated well from fat and connective tissue. The results of visualization analysis were correlated with the texture profile analysis. A relatively high magnification (3 µm/pixel) was used with fiber tracing procedure to analyze the connection of muscle fiber bundles surrounded by soft tissue. Single muscle fiber (e.g., diameter 117 µm) was successfully and artificially separated from whole visualized tissue through manual division. Overall, this study showed a novel ultra-high-resolution method based on micro-CT to conduct digital analysis of muscle fascicle architecture, and constructed printable model of bionic animal/plant tissue for food design.

A new proposed semi-quantitative method for the organic additives analysis in traditional lime mortar

To improve the performance of lime mortar, ancient craftsmen often added various additives to mortars, including inorganic and organic materials. The analysis of mortar additives plays an important role in the conservation and restoration of historical buildings. However, it is quite difficult to accurately identify the species of additives. This paper proposed a series of semi-quantitative analytical procedures to identify the organic additives in ancient lime mortars. By using reagents such as phenolphthalein, periodic acid, acetylacetone, anthrone, bicinchoninic acid (BCA), iodine-potassium iodide, chloramine T, etc., organic additives such as triglyceride, soluble sugar, starch, and protein (including blood, gelatine, and other unknown proteins) remaining in ancient lime mortar were accurately detected, respectively. The linear relationship of the standard curve was significant, and the detection limits for the target additives were below 7 µg/mL. The process is easy to operate within 6 h, and it is suitable for rapid in-situ testing.

Antimicrobial Therapeutic Strategies for Enterococcus faecalis In Dental Infections - Past, Present and Future

Abstract: Enterococcus faecalis is a common opportunistic pathogen that can infect various tissues in the human body and in particular, the oral cavity. It has been implicated in periodontal disease, oral mucosal lesions in immunocompromised patients, peri-implantitis, peri-radicular abscesses, and root canal infections. They are also most prevalent in secondary endodontic infections and are recognized as treatment-resistant bacteria in the root canal. Virulence factors help in this pathogenicity as some factors aid its adherence to the surface. It has become a research focus in recent times for its resistance to various antibiotics like vancomycin and so, the search for alternative therapeutic approaches has also evolved. Although various chemical irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), iodine potassium iodide (IKI), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) have been used for years, the use of plant extracts and essential oils have attracted the researchers to explore their activity against various dental pathogens like E. faecalis. Recently, it has been found that the phages are more effective in treating biofilm than antibiotics and it has also been observed that they are effective when used in combination with antibiotics. In this review, we have presented various treatment strategies that have been in use for treating dental infections and also discussed future therapeutic approaches, which, may help unfold promising novel strategies.

Chemical addition to wet webs using foam application

In papermaking, the conventional way to add chemicals to the web is to dose them into the fiber stock and form the paper afterwards. However, in many cases, adding chemicals directly to the stock is challenging. For example, strength aids tend to increase flocculation in the stock, which limits the addition amounts of those aids. The need for better performance of paper (and paperboard) products has given rise to the need for functionalization of paper. Adding such functional chemicals to the stock is usually rather inefficient. Hence, novel methods are needed to add chemicals to the paper bulk. One such method is dosing chemicals to the wet web via foam application. In this study, we built a laboratory-scale sheetfed dynamic foam application device and utilized it to study addition of starch to wet bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) paper handsheets. The impact of parameters such as vacuum level, the amount of added chemical, and the viscosity of the foaming liquid on the penetration of starch into the wet web was explored. Starch penetration into wet webs was measured via iodine-potassium iodide staining, followed by image analysis. According to our results, controlling the viscosity of the foaming liquid gives the best possibility to control the penetration.

Identification of carbohydrate in Polygonatum sibiricum: fructo-oligosaccharide was a major component

Abstract Polygonatum sibiricum, famous for its physiological activities, is a popular Chinese food and a traditional Chinese herb containing many carbohydrates as the main component. However, except for most reported polysaccharides, other detailed compositions of carbohydrates are still not clear. To verify the controversial existence of starch and investigate other components, especially oligosaccharides, we used iodine–potassium iodide colorimetric detection and enzymatic hydrolysis to determine starch. Then, oligosaccharides were analyzed by thin-layer chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection, and hydrophilic interaction chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The results showed that the rhizome of P. sibiricum lacked starch, and fructo-oligosaccharides were the main component, accounting for approximately 28.95%. Oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization above 10 were the most abundant components. This study clearly illustrated the unknown carbohydrate components of the Polygonatum rhizome, promoting its functional value with new evidence.

Micro-CT in ophthalmology: ex vivo preparation and contrasting methods for detailed 3D-visualization of eye anatomy with special emphasis on critical point drying.

BackgroundMicro-computed tomography (micro-CT) provides detailed 3-dimensional (3D) visualization of anatomical structures and encourages morphological reinvestigation of organs with delicate features. The low radiodensity of soft tissues necessitates preceding sample preparation to conduct X-ray imaging with decent contrast between different tissues. In this study, we demonstrate the preparation with three radiopaque agents in combination with elimination of liquids by critical point drying (CPD) introduced for ocular samples.MethodsEnucleated porcine eyes were prepared with ethanolic iodine (EI), aqueous iodine-potassium iodide, or ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (EPTA). Micro-CT scans of the samples were conducted in a moist environment with an isotropic resolution of 9.2–12.5 µm voxel size. Subsequently, samples were chemically dehydrated and critical point (CP) dried to conduct a second scan in a dry environment with a resolution up to 4.7–5.4 µm in voxel size. The visualization effects were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively evaluated with regard to the generated contrast between different ocular tissues.ResultsAll three contrast agents accumulated well in most of the investigated ocular tissues and lead to an increased X-ray attenuation which allowed for differentiated visualization of ocular structures. Problematic agent penetration into the lens was obvious for iodine-potassium iodide and EPTA. Artificial damages of the lens and thickness reduction for the cornea and sclera due to CPD were noticed. The effects of the different contrasting treatments are described and compared with regard to the effects of CPD. Exclusively CP dried samples that were not treated with contrast agents could also be visualized excellently with a good distinction of different ocular structures from each other.ConclusionsAll ocular structures can be visualized by micro-CT. To contrast moist samples, the best results were achieved with iodine potassium iodide (IPI). CPD improved the scan quality in all cases. Even without pretreatment with contrasting agents, the CP dried samples showed a contrast similar to the IPI treated samples.

Use of different stains for microscopic evaluation for the diagnosis of Pythium keratitis

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of various staining techniques for detection of Pythium in keratitis cases. MethodsData of nineteen consecutive culture-positive cases of Pythium keratitis were retrospectively analysed. Corneal scrapings and corneal buttons (in the cases which underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty [TPK]) were sent for microbiological and histopathological examination. The direct smears were stained with Potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white (KOH ​+ ​CFW), Gram and Iodine–Potassium Iodide–Sulphuric Acid (IKI–H2SO4) stains. The corneal buttons were stained with Gomori's Methanamine Silver (GMS), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Iodine–Potassium Iodide–Sulphuric Acid (IKI–H2SO4) stains. The positivity of various stains in detecting Pythium was studied. ResultsGram and KOH ​+ ​CFW staining from smear was done in 16 out of 19 (84.2%) cases. KOH ​+ ​CFW and Gram stains were suggestive of Pythium in 10 (62.5%) and 7 (43.8%) cases, respectively. IKI–H2SO4 staining in scraping samples was positive for Pythium in all the 4 (100%) cases in which it was performed. Half corneal buttons were positive for Pythium with IKI–H2SO4 stain as well as GMS stain in all the 18 cases that underwent TPK (100%). PAS stain showed weak to faint pink staining of Pythium filaments in 7 out of 18 cases (38.9%). ConclusionIKI–H2SO4 stain followed by KOH ​+ ​CFW stain detects Pythium filaments most accurately in corneal scraping samples from keratitis patients, although the differences were not statistically significant. The positivity of the stains depends on astute observation by an experienced ocular microbiologist and pathologist.

A Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Novel Surfactant-Based Endodontic Irrigant Regimen's on Enterococcus faecalis.

Introduction:Irrigants play an important role in the eradication of microorganisms in the complex root canal system. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX), and iodine potassium iodide (IKI) have certain limitations despite their routine clinical use. Surfactant irrigants with antimicrobial properties can be a milestone in endodontics to overcome the drawbacks of conventional irrigants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of surfactants in comparison with routine endodontic irrigants on Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and Methods:Primary irrigants NaOCl, CHX, IKI were prepared at concentrations of 5%, 2.5%, 2%, and 1%; while mixture of tetracycline acid and detergent (MTAD) (100%) served as control group. Surfactants such as cetrimide (CTR) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were prepared at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. The direct contact assay was used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy after 5 min. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U-test.Results:In the primary group, only 5% CHX was significant over MTAD (P < 0.05). In the surfactant group, all concentrations of CTR and SDS (except 0.5%) were significant (P < 0.05) in killing E. faecalis over MTAD. Two percent CHX in combination with 0.5% CTR and 1% SDS had an effective kill percentage over 2% CHX and MTAD alone.Conclusion:Surfactant irrigant regimens can be used as adjuncts with CHX to overcome its clinical limitations and potentiate its substantivity, thereby enhancing clinical success in endodontics.

X-ray Stain Localization with Near-Field Ptychographic Computed Tomography.

Although X‐ray contrast agents offer specific characteristics in terms of targeting and attenuation, their accumulation in the tissue on a cellular level is usually not known and difficult to access, as it requires high resolution and sensitivity. Here, quantitative near‐field ptychographic X‐ray computed tomography is demonstrated to assess the location of X‐ray stains at a resolution sufficient to identify intracellular structures by means of a basis material decomposition. On the example of two different X‐ray stains, the nonspecific iodine potassium iodide, and eosin Y, which mostly interacts with proteins and peptides in the cell cytoplasm, the distribution of the stains within the cells in murine kidney samples is assessed and compared to unstained samples with similar structural features. Quantitative nanoscopic stain concentrations are in good agreement with dual‐energy micro computed tomography measurements, the state‐of‐the‐art modality for material‐selective imaging. The presented approach can be applied to a variety of X‐ray stains advancing the development of X‐ray contrast agents.

Cytological Observation and Candidate Gene Identification of a Female Semi-Sterile Rice Mutant

Rice is an important staple crop, and fertilization has a very important role in the production of high-yield and well-quality hybrid of rice. The abnormal development of female gametes will lead to a significant decrease in rice yields. Due to the complex mechanism of female gamete development, the molecular mechanism of female sterility has not made a breakthrough. In this study, one semi-sterile mutant m21 and its fifth generation of backcross material (WZN58 and WZN68) were used as materials, and the phenotypic observation and cytological observation of embryo sac development were performed. Moreover, the pollen viability was evaluated by iodine potassium iodide (I2-KI) staining. Bulked-segregant analysis (BSA) re-sequencing and transgenic analysis were further applied to investigate the molecular mechanism of semi-sterile phenotype. These results demonstrated that male gamete development was normal, while the abnormality of the mutant was caused by the abnormal development of female gamete. Among 112 candidate genes detected by BSA, one gene Os10g0506000 was identified responsible for the semi-sterile phenotype of m21 mutant. This study provides an ideal material and candidate gene for rice female fertility analysis.

Iodine Potassium Iodide as a Potential Stain for Detection of Polyvinyl Acetate Based Forged Fingerprints

Iodine Potassium Iodide as a Potential Stain for Detection of Polyvinyl Acetate Based Forged Fingerprints

Isolation and characterization of exopectinase from Bacillus licheniformis FMB9 isolated from agricultural soil

Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and identify potential pectinase producing bacterium as well as optimization of its various parameters for maximum enzyme production. Methods: A total of forty-three bacterial isolates were obtained &nbsp;from agriculture soil in Jeddah city using standard plate count method. Primary screening was done by hydrolysis of pectin on agar plate and measuring the clear zone after adding iodine-potassium iodide solution. Pectinase activity was determined by measuring the increase in reducing sugar formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of pectin. Results: Among the bacterial isolates, the isolate FMB9 exhibited higher pectinase activity in broth medium and was selected for further studies. The selected bacterial isolate FMB9 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis FMB9 with similarity level 97% to B. licheniformis AS10. The isolate was found to produce maximum pectinase at 37°C with pH 7 upon incubation for 72 hours, while cultured in production medium containing citrus pectin and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The enzyme was purified using column chromatography and was characterized. It showed maximum activity at 45◦C. Bacillus licheniformis pictinase was affected by pH values and optimum activity was at pH 5. The molecular weight was also determined and compared with other pectinases. Conclusion: Pectinase produced from bacteria can be purified and used in many technological applications in food and medicine.