Bioprospecting for bacteria producing glycoside hydrolases with potential biotechnological applications

Glycoside hydrolases are a diverse group of enzymes that act on various α-glucans, exhibiting distinct product specificities. Bioprospecting for bacteria capable of producing novel glycoside hydrolases represents a significant area of interest in biotechnology. This study aimed to isolate glycoside hydrolase-producing bacterial strains from diverse niches from Argentina, including environmental and water sources, starchy and non-starchy plants, and agricultural soils. One hundred and sixty-four glycoside hydrolase-producing strains were isolated from all niches, regardless of their starch content. Notably, 27 isolates exhibited optimal alkalophilic growth at pH 10. The isolates were classified based on the specific glycoside hydrolase they secreted, mainly type I or II pullulanases; α-, β- and α/β-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases; five categories of maltooligosaccharide-forming amylases; and α-cyclomaltodextrinase. Molecular identification of the isolated strains was performed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The genus Bacillus was identified as the primary source of these glycoside hydrolases-producing bacteria. This research provides a valuable source of native bacterial strains that produce glycoside hydrolases with diverse catalytic activities. These enzymes have significant potential for application in various industrial sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals and detergents.