Screening and Molecular Identification of Novel Pectinolytic Bacteria from Forest Soil

Pectinases are a group of enzymes with broad application, including in plant fiber processing, pectic wastewater treatment, paper pulping, fruit juice extraction, and clarification. With an increasing industrial demand for these enzymes, it is useful to isolate organisms that produce large amounts of pectinase and possess wide ranges of stability factors like temperature and pH. In this study, 17 out of 29 bacteria (58.62%) from forest soil samples were pectinolytic. However, only four bacteria (S-5, S-10, S-14, and S-17) showed high pectin hydrolysis zones (ranging from 0.2 cm to 1.7 cm). These four bacteria were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characterization, biochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequencing. They were designated as Streptomyces sp. (S-5, S-14), Cellulomonas sp. (S-10), and Bacillus sp. (S-17). Interestingly, bacteria showed cellulase and xylanase activity in addition to pectinase. The quantitative assay for pectinase activity of the four isolates provided proof that they are pectinase producers and can be considered potential candidates for industrial uses. The crude enzyme extracts of these bacteria are applicable in oil and juice extraction from sesame seeds and apples, respectively.