Isolation and characterization of β-glucan producing bacteria strains from Antarctica

This thesis undertakes a study focused on bacterial isolates from Antarctica, which underwent a thorough examination aimed at isolating and characterizing strains capable of producing β-glucan. The β-glucan-producing bacteria from polar environments uncover novel strains with unique genetic and physiological characteristics, contributing to microbial diversity understanding, exploring potential biotechnological applications, gaining insights into adaptation to extreme conditions, understanding ecological interactions, and supporting conservation efforts. The methodology involved serial dilution, spread plate, isolation, Gram staining, biochemical tests, and gel electrophoresis. After initial plating, 20 distinct colonies were streaked on LB agar supplemented with Aniline Blue and sucrose, revealing the presence of β-glucan through blue staining. Its results that five blue-stained colonies (A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5). Gram staining and biochemical tests classified A1, A2, A4, and A5 as Gram-negative and A3 as Gram-positive. Catalase tests indicated A1, A2, and A3 as negative, while A4 and A5 were positive. Oxidase tests showed positive results for all isolates. Starch tests were negative for all strains. Gel electrophoresis after DNA extraction demonstrated successful DNA isolation, although the run was interrupted at 30 minutes, limiting fragment size determination. Despite the incomplete run, the visible presence of DNA fragments suggests successful extraction.