Abstract

Bacterial strains were isolated from soil samples collected at different parts of Western Ghats of India. The strains were screened for xylanase production using xylan-red agar medium. On the basis of clearing zones formed, twelve bacterial strains were selected and identified on the basis of 16S rRNA sequence. Solid state and submerged fermentations were done to identify strains that could produce maximum amount of xylanase, as well as, to identify strains that could produce cellulase-free xylanase. Bacillus was the dominating xylanase producer among the isolated strains. Bacillus arseniciselenatis DSM 15340 produced maximum xylanase production, 970.49 U/gds and 245.78 U/ml in solid state and submerged conditions, respectively. Under submerged conditions, Bacillus vallismortisDSM 11031 (994.0 U/ml) secreted maximum amount of cellulase-free xylanase. About 90% of the strains produced cellulase-free xylanase during solid state as well as, submerged fermentation.

Key words: Cellulase-free xylanase, xylan, solid state fermentation, submerged fermentation.