Isolation and biochemical characterization of acido-thermophilic extracellular phytase producing bacterial strain for potential application in poultry feed

Introduction and objective: Phytic acid, which is the main constituent of animal diet, is not digested by monogastric animals and hence, create problem in the availability of phosphorus in their diet. It also causes environmental pollution by extra supplemented phosphorus in animal’s diet. Hence, acido-thermophilic phytase producer bacterial strain has been isolated in this study for its potential use in poultry feedings.

Material and methods: Samples for the screening of phytase producers were collected from different habitats. 1g of soil was inoculated in culture broth containing 2% (w/w) phytate organic substrate. The qualitative screening for phytase production was performed by agar plate containing sodium phytate followed by quantitative screening using shaking flask method. Phytase activity was determined and the selected isolate was biochemically characterized using the standard biochemical techniques.

Results: AR58 bacterial isolate, isolated from poultry field soil, showing significant extracellular phytase production was selected. After qualitative and quantitative screening, AR58 showed a hydrolytic zone of 42 mm diameter and 395 IU/ml phytase activity. AR58 was identified as Klebsiella sp. The enzyme had maximum activity at 55°C and pH range from 3.5 to 5.5.

Conclusion: Our finding suggests that acido-thermophilic phytase from Klebsiella sp. could have great potential for feed industries.

Significance and impact of the study: In the present study, phytase accumulation by the strain of Klebsiella sp. has significant values. Hence, this enzyme could find application in the animal feed industry for improving the nutritional status of feed as well as combating environmental pollution.