Screening of phytate hydrolysis Bacillus sp. isolated from soil and optimization of the certain nutritional and physical parameters on the production of phytase

Objective: To isolate phytase producing Bacillus sp. from soil samples of Turkey, and opti- mize the growth conditions for maximum production of phytase. Material and Methods: The screening of isolates was performed on phytase screening me- dium. The best producer was selected. Phytase activity was determined by measur ing the amount of liberated inorganic phosphate. Optimal culture conditions and fermentation pa- rameters for phytase production were assessed. Results: 236 Bacillus sp. strains isolated. The best phytase producing strain showed higher enzyme yield in the presence of wheat bran and lactose as carbon source, meat extract as organic nitrogen source, CaCl 2 as metal source. 0.3% as phytate concentration was found to be best. In the physical parameters, the best results was obtained at 35°C, pH 7.5, 200 rpm as agitation rate, 2-4% as inoculum size and 48 h as inoculum age. A new medium was obtained by optimizing the incubation conditions of phytase production from Bacillus sp. EBD 9-1. In this medium, enzyme yield was enhanced 62% compared to basal medium. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the novel Bacillus sp. phytase enzyme may have wide industrial application, and can be used as an animal feed additive.