Isolation and cultivation of a xylanolytic Bacillus subtilis extracted from the gut of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis

Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2013 Sep;171(1):225-45. doi: 10.1007/s12010-013-0337-5. Epub 2013 Jul 5.

Abstract

The aim of this work was the isolation of xylanolytic microorganisms from the digestive tract of the termite Reticulitermes santonensis. The reducing sugars released after the hydrolysis of xylans can be further fermented to provide bioethanol. A xylanolytic strain of Bacillus subtilis was isolated from the hindgut of the termite and displayed amylase and xylanase activities. The bacterium was grown on media containing agricultural residues: wheat bran, wheat distiller's grains, and rapeseed oil cake. Wheat bran led to the highest induction of xylanase activity, although the development of the strain was less fast than in the other media. It was possible to reach maximal xylanase activities of 44.3, 33.5, and 29.1 I.U./ml in the media containing wheat bran, wheat distiller's grains, and rapeseed oil cake, respectively. Mass spectrometry identified a wide range of xylose oligomers, highlighting an endoxylanase activity. The enzyme was stable up to 45 °C and displayed an optimal pH close to 8.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics
  • Bacillus subtilis / growth & development*
  • Bacillus subtilis / isolation & purification*
  • Bacillus subtilis / metabolism*
  • Betula / chemistry
  • Culture Techniques*
  • Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases / biosynthesis
  • Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases / chemistry
  • Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases / metabolism
  • Enzyme Stability
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Hydrolysis
  • Intestines / microbiology*
  • Isoptera / microbiology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Temperature
  • Xylans / metabolism*

Substances

  • Xylans
  • Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases