Quantitative analysis of exo-enzymatic activity in Bacillus subtilis using commercial assay procedures

Abstract

Probiotics are health-benefiting organisms that are useful supplements in the maintenance of homeostasis within a host's body. The Bacillus genus is currently considered the best alternative for use as probiotics because of their endospores naturally high thermal stability, exo-enzymes high specificity, neutral optimum pH, and proteolysis resistance. Currently in the laboratory of Dr. Patricia Rayas-Duarte, there is an on-going project to evaluate strains of Bacillus spp. that may prove to be beneficial in the use of probiotics. Experiments have already been done to identify selected strains of Bacillus spp. via 16S rDNA that have phytase, a-amylase, cellulase, and protease activities. From those experiments, strains have been selected to undergo quantitative analysis of enzyme activities that will later provide evidence on strains that can be prepared singularly, or in blends, for in vivo testing of their efficacy in a monogastric model (poultry) via growth and feed efficiency tests. The objective of this study was to evaluate quantitatively the protease, phytase, and cellulase enzymatic activities of eight selected OSU strains.