Isolation and identification of latex-degrading bacteria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15282/cst.v6i1.15074Keywords:
Latex-degrading, Liquid latex, BacteriaAbstract
Latex-degrading bacteria have contrasting potential to offer sustainable waste biodegradation solutions while simultaneously threatening manufacturing productivity, product shelf-life, and overall quality. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize latex-degrading bacteria to achieve a deeper understanding of their degradation abilities. Bacterial strains were isolated from raw latex and soil samples from the Bukit Kuantan Research Station of the Malaysia Rubber Board using latex-overlay agar and a three-quadrant streaking method to yield single colonies. Identification was carried out using conventional biochemical methods, including Gram staining, catalase testing, and Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, and Indole, Methyl Red, Voges-Proskauer, and Citrate (IMViC) tests, alongside Sanger DNA sequencing. To characterize degradation activity, liquid natural latex was incubated with the isolated bacteria for seven days at 37 °C. The resulting molecular and physical changes were quantified using (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) FTIR spectroscopy, total solid content (TSC), and DRC analyses. A total of 10 distinct bacterial colonies exhibiting clearing zones on the latex overlay were selected for identification. Morphological and biochemical screening determined that six isolates were Gram-negative and four were Gram-positive, while all 10 isolates uniformly tested catalase-positive and indole-negative. Further identification of two out of ten bacterial isolates by Sanger sequencing identified as Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Stenotrophomonas geniculata. FTIR analysis verified successful latex degradation, displaying extra minor peaks of C-C and C-O stretching compared to the untreated negative control. Degradation was further validated by physical measurements, which resulted in reduced post-degradation TSC and DRC values of 20.64% and 16.61%, respectively. The study successfully isolated ten bacterial strains from raw latex and soil, and confirmed the specific latex-degrading capacities through comprehensive biochemical, molecular, and physical characterization.
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