Streptomyces is genetically and functionally diverse genus known to produce a wide array of phenolics and flavonoids with significant biotechnological applications. 52 isolates belonging to 26 species of Streptomyces collected from Meghalaya, India were analyzed for their genetic diversity using BOX-PCR. Significant inter- and intra- generic diversity was observed among the Streptomyces isolates especially those belonging to S. cacaoi, S. lavendulae, S. olivochromogenes, S. aureus, S. flavovirens. During bioactivity screening of the isolates, S. rectiviolaceus MJM72 recorded the highest DPPH activity (77.13 ± 0.91%) whereas S. antimycoticus MSCA162 showed excellent ABTS radical scavenging activity (99.65 ± 0.41%). On the other hand, S. novaecaesareae MJM58 had the highest (756.4 ± 7.38 μg GAE g-1 fresh weight) phenolic content while S. rectiviolaceus MJM72 was recorded with the highest flavonoid content (69.3 ± 0.12 μg QE g-1 fresh weight). As compared to total flavonoid content, total phenolic content had a stronger correlation with antioxidant activities. HPLC analysis of five selected isolates showed presence of gallic acid and pyrocatechol as predominant phenolics. In case of flavonoids, three isolates showed presence of rutin with S. rochei MSCA130 having the highest rutin content (0.95 μg g-1 fresh weight). The results of this study showed high genetic diversity and antioxidant potential among the Streptomyces isolates.
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