PRODUCTION OF AMYLASE FROM Penicillium species ISOLATED FROM SOIL SAMPLE

ABSTRACT

Amylase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. Amylase is found in the saliva of humans and other mammals where it is involved and begins the chemical process of digestion. The aim of this study was to produce Amylase from Penicillium species isolated from soil samples. Penicillium is from the genus Ascomycetes fungi which are known for their role in food and food spoilage, drug production (penicillin an antibiotic for bacterial infection), cheese making, organic acid production among others. Different soil samples were collected from locations within the University of Benin, Edo State. Pour plate method was used for isolating this microorganisms. The screening of amylase producing microorganisms were carried out by starch hydrolysis test on PDA agar plates containing starch. The samples were cultured in supplemented Potato Dextrose Agar after serial dilution and Penicillium species were isolated and screened for the production of Amylase with starch as a carbon source. Dinitro salicylic acid (DNSA) reagent was the main reagent used in this experiment, which stops the breakdown of starch by Amylase-producing Penicillium species. The lowest Optical Density was recorded on Day Zero at 0.026mg/ml while the peak Optical Density was on Day Eight at 1.984mg/ml  for Penicillium 1, and Day Zero at 0.032mg/ml and Day Six at 2.036mg/ml  respectively for Penicillium 2. This study shows that in a suitable medium using starch as a carbon source, Penicillium species were  able to produce Amylase for the breakdown of the starch.