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Characterization and antifungal activity of chitosanase produced by Pedobacter sp. PR-M6

Yong-Su Song1, Dong-Jun Seo1, Woo-Jin Jung1

  • 1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|March 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated chitosanase activity from Pedobacter sp. PR-M6, finding optimal conditions at 60°C. The resulting low-molecular-weight chitosan and oligochitosan (LCOC) demonstrated significant antifungal properties.

Area of Science:

  • Enzymology
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chitosanase enzymes are crucial for degrading chitosan, a biopolymer with diverse applications.
  • Understanding the optimal conditions for chitosanase activity and the properties of its degradation products is essential for harnessing its potential.
  • Pedobacter sp. PR-M6 was identified as a potential source of chitosanase, necessitating further investigation into its enzymatic characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the temperature requirements for chitosanase activity from Pedobacter sp. PR-M6.
  • To analyze the degradation patterns of chitosan oligomers induced by the enzyme.
  • To evaluate the antifungal activity of the resulting chitosan degradation products.

Main Methods:

  • Pedobacter sp. PR-M6 was cultured on chitosan medium at varying temperatures (20°C and 30°C).
  • Enzyme activity and protein content were monitored over time.
  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to characterize enzyme isoforms.
  • Thin-layer chromatography analyzed reaction products from specific chitosan substrates.
  • Antifungal activity assays were performed against various plant pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Cell growth was higher at 30°C compared to 20°C in the initial incubation phase.
  • Four chitosanase bands (ct1-ct4) were identified via SDS-PAGE at both temperatures.
  • Optimal chitosanase activity was observed at 60°C, with specific isozymes (ct3 and ct4) showing peak activity at 50°C.
  • Low-molecular-weight chitosan and oligochitosan (LCOC) and soluble chitosan exhibited antifungal activity.
  • LCOC demonstrated superior antifungal efficacy compared to soluble chitosan, and inhibited conidia germination in A. brassicicola.

Conclusions:

  • Pedobacter sp. PR-M6 produces chitosanase with optimal activity at 60°C.
  • The enzyme generates LCOC and soluble chitosan with notable antifungal properties.
  • LCOC shows promise as a potent antifungal agent against tested pathogens, including inhibition of conidia germination.
Keywords:
Antifungal activityChitosanase activityPedobacter sp.

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