A study on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for polygalacturonase production by four fungal strains from mangrove soils Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh

Mangrove ecosystems are rich sources of diverse microbial communities, including fungi capable of producing industrially significant enzymes such as polygalacturonase. Identifying potent fungal strains with high enzymatic activity is crucial for biotechnological applications. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize fungal strains from mangrove soils in Gilakaladhindi and Malakayalanka, Krishna District, with a focus on their polygalacturonase production potential. A total of 57 fungal strains were isolated from soil samples using serial dilution and pectin agar plating. The strain exhibiting the highest polygalacturonase activity was selected for further study. Identification of the potent strains was performed through 18S rRNA sequencing, and the sequences were deposited in the NCBI GenBank with accession numbers MK192017, MG271916, KU613360, and KU613362. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was conducted to analyze the structural composition of the enzyme, identifying functional groups responsible for its activity. Four fungal strains Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium citrinum, and Penicillium griseofulvum were confirmed as potent polygalacturonase producers. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis detected hydroxyl, carboxyl, acetyl, and pyruvyl groups, indicating the presence of essential biochemical components. The chemical composition of polygalacturonase consisted primarily of neutral sugars, uronic acids, and proteins. These findings provide valuable insights into fungal polygalacturonase production and its potential applications in various industrial processes.