Screening and isolation of lipolytic, amylolytic and cellulolytic thermophiles from Hulu Langat hot spring, Selangor

Thermophiles are microorganisms that inhabit at extremely high temperature environment. Thermoenzymes from thermophilic microorganisms are heat-stable, able to withstand denaturants of extremely acidic and alkaline conditions, and thus, have a considerable potential for many industrial applications. Thermophilic microorganisms are able to degrade on certain substrates and its subsequent utilization are said to be important for global carbon sources. The aim of this study was to screen and isolate the thermophiles capable of producing thermostable lipase, amylase and cellulase. The highly sedimented water sample was taken from the local hot spring located at Hulu Langat, Selangor. The pH of the hot springs within the area was recorded to be slightly alkaline with the temperature ranging from 55°C to 70°C. The results of this study showed five bacterial strains with positive results for lipolytic activity via screening on selective medium containing Tween 80, 11 positive isolates of amylase-producing thermophiles that displayed large and distinct halo-forming zone upon the treatment of flooding iodine method on starch-nutrient medium and 5 positive isolates of cellulolytic thermophiles screened via selective carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) medium. These positive isolates were further characterized and identified using morphological characterization techniques and conventional biochemical tests.