Screening for lipase activity from md 022 bacteria isolated from coral mucus

Abstract

At the moment, the information on lipase-producing marine bacteria is quite limited. In this study, the ability to produce this enzyme by marine bacteria MD022, isolated from coral mucus at Pulau Bidong, Terengganu was investigated. In order to confirm the identification of the bacteria, biochemical tests based on their morphological and phenotypic characteristics have been carried out. The results suggested that MD022 bacterium is Klebsiella pneumoniae. Prior to the induction of lipase by the bacteria, three different media have been tested to determine the best culture medium: Nutrient Broth added with distilled water, Nutrient Broth added with sea water and ZoBell's modified broth. ZoBell's medium was found to contain the highest bacterial growth and needed four hours and 15 minutes to reach the log phase of bacterial growth. In order to induce the lipase production, an investigation on the optimum culture conditions was held: incubation time, temperature and amount of substrate.