Isolation, Production and Optimization of Gelatinase from Organic Waste

Investigation aimed to isolate and characterize gelatinase from an organic waste sample. Screening for gelatinase production was performed by using gelatin agar plates, and confirmation of gelatinase production was achieved through the Ninhydrin method.

A total of seven bacterial isolates derived from organic waste exhibited a clear zone surrounding the colony, indicative of gelatinase activity.

The OWS4 isolate exhibited the highest gelatinase activity and was tentatively identified as Serratia marcescens based on morphological and biochemical assessments. Additionally, various physiological parameters were examined, including pH and temperature. The gelatinase exhibited peak activity at a pH of 6.6, with the optimal temperature for gelatinase activity determined to be 20°C. The Bacterial isolated OWS4 was a good source of gelatinase as it showed high gelatinase activity. It showed a largest clear zone on gelatin agar medium plate of 1.9 mm in diameter. The isolate OWS4 produced amount of gelatinase enzyme 0.77/per 50 mL medium unit after the incubation of 24 to 48 hrs.