M. MOHIL AND P.V. DHARANI
Abstract
This study aims to isolate and characterize pectinolytic bacteria from natural sources, including soil, rotten fruits, and vegetables collected from a local vegetable market in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Pectinases, a group of enzymes that degrade pectin, have significant industrial applications in fruit juice clarification, textile processing, and paper manufacturing. These isolates were screened for pectinolytic activity using a pectin agar medium, where a hydrolysis zone was visualized by clear zones by flooding with Lugolâs solution indicating the production of pectinase enzymes. Six isolates that demonstrated clear zones were subjected to quantitative analysis. Polygalacturonase and Pectin methyl esterase activity was determined to be highest with the isolate Sgpm23. The biochemical characterization of the six active isolates revealed distinct metabolic profiles, including IMViC, nitrate reduction, urease activity, starch hydrolysis, and various sugar utilization tests. The isolates included gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rods, with varied biochemical behaviours.