Screening of xylanase activity of Streptomyces albidoflavus PSM-3n isolated from Uttarakhand

Background: Awareness towards the environmental pollution had made the evolution of green technology by which enzymes got special attention in industries. The enzymes replaced chemical catalysts in manufacturing various chemicals, agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Material and Methods: Actinomycetes were isolated and screened for their ability to produce xylanase. For the most promising isolate, selection of media, effect of pH, temperature, metal ions, and detergents on enzyme production and activity was studied. Results: Out of 29 isolates, 22 isolates showed xylanase activity. Out of 22 xylanase producing isolate, 05 isolates were selected for secondary screening on the basis of their clear zone size. The most promising isolate PSM-3n was identified as Streptomyces albidoflavus. It produces maximum enzyme (xylanase) in media Horikoshi and Ikura having carbon and nitrogen sources as oat meal and urea respectively. The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme production was 4.0 and 45oC respectively. The enzyme activity was found maximum at temperature 50oC and enhanced in the presence of Fe3+ ions. There was a reduction in the enzyme activity in the presence of detergents like SDS, tween-20 and tween-80. The enzyme was fairly stable at 50°C for 1 h. Conclusions: The enzyme produced by the isolate PSM-3n is fairly heat stable and highly acid stable. The activity of the enzyme was increased in presence of Fe3+ ions while decreased in presence of SDS. Therefore, further studies are required for purification of xylanase for its application potential in pulp bioleaching processes and in the functional food industry.