Isolation, Characterization and Screening of L-Asparaginase Producing Actinomycetes (Streptomyces) from the Soil Samples of Gulf of Mannar Region

L-asparaginase (L-asparagine amido hydrolase, E.C.3.5.1.1) is an extra cellular enzyme that has received considerable attention since it is used as an anticancer agent. In the present study, the 17 actinomycetes strains were isolated from the soil samples of Gulf of Mannar region (Rameshwaram) using starch casein agar medium and ISP-5 medium. The isolated strains were screened for the L-asparaginase production by using Modified M9 Medium containing L-asparagine and phenol red as indicator. L-asparaginase activity was detected on the basis of pink color around the colony. Out of 17 strains screened for L-asparaginase activity only five strains shows positive result.