PRIYA, MANJIT K. SELWAL AND KRISHAN KUMAR SELWAL*
Department of Biotechnology, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, Sonipat-131 039 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail: krishan.kselwal@gmail.com; Mobile: 94660 69167)
(Received: September 25, 2023; Accepted: October 3, 2023)
ABSTRACT
Tannase is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes hydrolysis of tannic acid to release glucose, gallic acid, ellagic acid and propyl gallate. In this study, a tannase-producing bacterial strain from termite gut was isolated using 0.3% tannic acid containing medium. The isolate exhibited tannase activity by displaying a halo around the colony. The bacterial culture was identified using biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene amplification and its subsequent sequencing. Among different substrates tested, the bacterial culture produced maximum enzymatic unit (7.467 U/ml) with betel nuts (Areca catechu) as substrate incubated at 37°C temperature. Various physico-chemical parameters were evaluated and it was found that 2.5% inoculum level produced highest enzyme when incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The enzyme activity was enhanced by the addition of ammonium nitrate as a nitrogen source and maltose as a carbon source in the fermentation medium. Moreover, sodium nitrate and triton-X were proved to increase enzyme production as metal ions and additives source, respectively. The results highlighted the presence of tannin-degrading bacterial species within the termite’s digestive tract that might prevent it from the harmful effects of tannins within the gastrointestinal environment.
Key words : Tannase, termite, Areca catechu, 16S rRNA amplification, solid state fermentation