Isolation and identification of phytase-producing strains from soil samples and optimization of production parameters

Phytase can be used as a feed additive to catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of phytate as the major storage form of natural phosphorus. Phytase is produced by a wide range of bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Isolation and identification of phytase-producing strains from soil, is of great interest for commercial application in different industries. The aim of the current study was the isolation and identification of phytase-producing strains from soil samples and optimizing the enzyme production.
For isolation and identification of phytase-producing strains, soil samples were collected from farms near Qazvin. Diluted samples were spread onto PSM solid media and production of the clear zones about the colonies gave a visual indication of phytase production. The selection of the best phytase-producing strain was performed by measuring the enzyme activity in the liquid medium. The selected strain was identified by slide-culture technique and the effect of carbon source (phytate and wheat bran), pH and time of incubation were also investigated for optimal enzyme production.
In this study, a Penicillium sp. was isolated from a soil sample near Qazvin and was selected as the best phytase-producing strain. The maximum phytase activity (171 U/ml) was obtained in the medium containing % 2 (w/v) phytate, at pH 5, after 72 h of incubation. By using wheat bran as the source of carbon and phytate, the maximum phytase activity, which was 61.7 U/mL, was produced at pH 7 and after the same time of incubation.
Discussion and Penicillium sp. isolated from a soil sample near Qazvin, was able to produce highly active phytase in optimized environmental conditions, which could be a suitable candidate for commercial production of phytase to be used as complement in poultry feeding industries.