Screening of bacterial isolates with potential for biodegradation of pectin, starch, cellulose and lignin

• Grant number: 19/11726-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2019
• End date: September 07, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Viana Niero
• Grantee: Guilherme Yamatogue Domênico Pinto
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The utility of microbiotic enzymes in industrial processes has gathered attention due to their efficiency when compared to chemical catalysts, in addition to being considered also for their greater ecological viability. Enzymes such as pectinase, amylase, cellulases and ligninases have relevance in the food, textile, recycling and vegetable oil extraction, bioethanol and drug synthesis industries. For such processes to be intensified and improved, it is of interest to seek new microorganisms containing robust enzymes for their use on an industrial scale. In this context, some isolates of bacteria from the Mycobacteriaceae family and from the genus Gordonia have been noted for their ability to degrade various organic compounds. The objective of this project is to evaluate a collection of bacteria from aquatic environments and composting material of the Fundação Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP), regarding the capacity to biodegrade the substrates: pectin, starch, carboxymethylcellulose and / or lignin. Considering that the home environments have distinct characteristics, it is expected for this to be reflected on the metabolic diversity of the microorganisms. The Isolates who exhibit degradation of one or more substrates will then be selected for enzymatic and molecular studies.