OPTIMIZATION OF CHITINASE ENZYME FROM THE MARINE RHIZOSPHERE SOIL

–Chitinase enzyme has diverse applications in the field of biotechnology, due to high attention especially in the field of agriculture for bio control of phytopathogenic fungi and harmful insects. In the present study, bacteria were isolated from marine rhizosphere soil. Bacterial isolates were screened for chitinolytic activity and isolates were selected for Chitinase production in broth media. Most powerful isolates were recognized as Aeromonas hydrophila and were selected for additional study, based on enzyme production. Studies were conducted on the effects of media composition and various fermentation conditions for optimization of chitinase production. At 37 o C and pH 8.0 after 24-48 h of incubation by Aeromonas hydrophila, maximum production of chitinase is obtained. Among the substrates, colloidal chitin was the best for the strain. Regarding carbon sources, maltose was the best for isolated strain; while meat was found as the best nitrogen source for Aeromonas hydrophila. Among surfactants, SDS was the best which shows major enzymatic activity