Screening and Identification of Starch-Degrading Bacteria from Garden Soil in Bangladesh

Starch degradation is a cornerstone process in industries such as food, fermentation, textiles, and paper production. This study focused on isolating and identifying starch-degrading bacteria from garden soil in Bangladesh to explore their industrial potential. Through starch hydrolysis testing, twelve bacterial strains were screened, of which eight isolates exhibited clear zones on starch agar plates, indicating amylolytic activity. Morphological, cultural, and biochemical analyses confirmed the isolates’ classification within the genus Bacillus. Among them, MSH 04 demonstrated the highest starch-degrading capacity, as indicated by its superior starch-degrading index (SDI). Comprehensive characterization of MSH 02 and MSH 04 under varying conditions revealed optimal growth at 37°C, pH 7, and a starch concentration of 1.5%. The remarkable performance of MSH 04 underscores its potential for application in industrial starch hydrolysis processes, offering a promising avenue for biotechnological innovations.