NOVEL THERMO-ALKALIPHILIC STRAIN OF BREVIBACILLUS BORSTELENSIS: POTENTIAL EXTRACELLULAR LIPASE PRODUCER ISOLATED FROM HOT SPRINGS OF GANESHPURI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Abstract

Everlasting search for newer and more robust hydrolases of bacterial origin has leaded this study to screen various hot
spring samples from Thane district, Maharashtra, India. Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3), owing to broad range of industrial
applications are potential candidate biomolecules for research explorations. A thermo-alkaliphilic gram positive,
sporulating bacterial strain GP-1 has been isolated from Ganeshpuri sulfur springs, with extracellular lipase production.
GP-1 was characterized using various biochemical reactions and 16S rDNA characterization methods as Brevibacillus
borstelensis. The 16S rRNA sequence is submitted at GenBank database, National Center for Biotechnological
Information, with accession no. MN282927. Brevibacillus borstelensis GP-1 was further optimized for lipase production
using one-factor-at-a-time method for various media and physical parameters, for submerged conditions. Maximum
lipase production was obtained with coconut oil, yeast extract, 8 gm% inoculum with initial pH 9.0, incubation
temperature of 50˚C and 48 hours of incubation period. Results clearly suggest that the novel strain of Brevibacillus
borstelensis GP-1 is a prospective candidate for lipase production. Further scope may involve statistical optimization and
enzyme characterization.