Isolation and Screening of Native Microbial Isolates for Pectinase Activity

The aim of this study was to isolate and to screen native bacterial isolates for pectinase activity. In this experiment twenty isolates from locally available decaying fruits and vegetables were screened for pectinase activity on solid medium based on diameter of clear zone produced. Out of these two isolates P 1 and P2 which exhibited maximum pectinase activity were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces rochi. These isolates were cultured at optimum pH and temperature and enzyme assay were carried out by using DNS method. Banana juice was treated with enzymes extracted from these two isolates and its microbial cultures were used. The extent of clarification was determined by measuring the absorbance at 660nm using UV Vis spectrophotometer.