Production and Purification of Chitinase by Streptomyces sp. from Soil

Abstract

Microbial production of chitinase has captured the worldwide attention of both industrial and scientific environments, not only because of its wide spectrum of applications but also for the lacuna of an effective production method. Chitinase production by a terrestrial Streptomyces species was studied under sub-merged fermentation. Chitinase production started after 24 h of incubation and reached maximum levels during the sixth day of cultivation. A high level of chitinase activity was observed in the culture medium with pH 7 at 30˚C. Culture medium amended with 0.4% colloidal chitin was found to be suitable source and the influence of additional carbon on chitinase production was also studied and the results revealed that the sucrose served as a good carbon source to enhance chitinase yield. Chitinase was purified from crude enzyme extract by two steps (ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis) and the molecular weight was determined by SDS-PAGE which exhibits a distinct protein band near to 34 kDa. The present study provides a suitable medium for improved chitinase production by Streptomyces species. Moreover, the study reflects the potential of Streptomyces species to produce chitinase for biotechnological applications.