Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Phytase Producing Yeast Isolated From Wastewater
1Margaret A. Adekanle, 2Julius, K. Oloke, 3Chimezie P. Okorie 1Olutoyin C. Adekunle, 1Oloyede S. Bolaji
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Osun state University, Osogbo . Nigeria 2Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.Nigeria 3Department of Biotechnology, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos
Corresponding Author: margaret.adekanle@uniosun.edu.ng; Tel: +2348033886540
Recieved Date: 27th February, 2023; Accepted Date: 30th April, 2023; Published Date: June, 2023
Citation: Margaret A. Adekanle, 2Julius, K. Oloke, 3Chimezie P. Okorie 1Olutoyin C. Adekunle, 1Oloyede S. Bolaji
ABSTRACT
Background: Most animal feeds are cereal or legume-based, and they have phytate as their
major component. Phytate chelates and precipitates minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and
magnesium in such feeds, reducing the bioavailability of these micronutrients. Phytase breaks
down phytate by hydrolyzing its phosphate groups and releasing the chelated minerals and
proteins in them. The degradation of phytate is, therefore, necessary for the animals to
assimilate the nutrient bound in their feed. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the
probiotic potentials (phytase production) from isolated yeasts species, the biochemical and
molecular characterization of the phytase. Biochemical tests such as urea hydrolysis, catalase
and oxidase were done following standard procedures and molecular characterization was
done by amplifying the ITS gene of the isolates. Results: The optimum temperature and pH
for maximal enzyme production was 30
??C and 6.5 respectively. Best carbon source for the
enzyme production was the simple sugars; the best nitrogen source was casein. Highest
enzyme production was achieved after 72 hours of incubation; Molecular characterization of
the isolates revealed their identity as Candida albicans, Geotrichum candidum, Candida
tropicalis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Electrophoresis gel of the amplified ITS gene from
these isolates showed that Candida albicans bands at 600bp, Geotrichum candidum bands at
650bp, Candida tropicalis bands at 540bp, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae bands at 630bp. Conclusion: The isolated yeasts has the potential to produce extracellular phytase, an
enzyme that has ability to hydrolyze phytate