ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF PROTEANASE PRODUCING MICROORGANISMS FROM SOIL

Abstract This study focused on the isolation and identification of proteanase-producing microorganisms from soil samples collected from different environments. Proteanase enzymes are important extracellular enzymes produced by microorganisms, which play significant roles in the degradation of proteins into simpler amino acids. These enzymes have wide applications in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, leather production, detergents, and waste management. The aim of this research was to isolate, screen, and identify microorganisms capable of producing proteanase from soil samples. Soil samples were collected from selected locations rich in organic matter and microbial activity. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation of microorganisms using serial dilution and pour plate methods. The isolates obtained were screened for proteanase production on skim milk agar medium based on the formation of clear zones around the colonies. Microorganisms with significant proteolytic activities were selected and further identified through morphological, cultural, and biochemical characterization. The results revealed the presence of several proteanase-producing microorganisms, including species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Among the isolates, Bacillus species showed the highest proteanase activity with wider zones of clearance on the screening medium. The study demonstrated that soil serves as a rich source of microorganisms capable of producing industrially important enzymes. In conclusion, the isolation and identification of proteanase-producing microorganisms from soil highlight the importance of soil microflora in biotechnology and industrial applications. The study recommends further molecular characterization and optimization studies to enhance enzyme production for commercial utilization.