Screening microorganisms for chitin hydrolysis and production of ethanol from amino sugars

Seventy-two strains of bacteria representing 39 genera and one yeast (Candida albicans) were screened for ability to hydrolyze chitin. Chitin hydrolysis was determined by a clear zone surrounding colonies growing on the surface of chitin agar. Species with the largest clear zone to colony size (CZ/CS) ratio were further compared for chitinolysis by assaying the level of reducing sugar produced in broth culture. Three yeasts and one bacterial strain known to produce ethanol from glucose were compared for their abilities to produce ethanol from amino sugars. Of the 72 strains screened, 23 produced CZ/CS ratios ranging from 0·38 to 2·5. The highest ratios were observed for strains in the genera: Bacillus and Serratia, followed by Micrococcus, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Clostridium and Plesiomonas. The other species examined produced ratios of less than 1 or were unable to hydrolyze chitin.

Hansenula anomala, Pachysolen tannophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Zymomonas mobilis were compared for their abilities to grow on and produce ethanol from glucose, glucosamine, and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG). Saccharomyces cerevisiae and H. anomala produced ethanol only from glucose. Pachysolen tannophilus and Z. mobilis produced ethanol from glucose, glucosamine and NAG. The highest concentration of ethanol produced from amino sugar was 598 μg ml⁻¹ from 10 mg ml⁻¹ glucosamine by Z. mobilis. This level was achieved only when yeast extract was included in the medium. Saccharomyces cerevisiae did not grow on glucosamine and Z. mobilis did not grow well on NAG.