Cellulolytic activity of strains of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis
https://doi.org/10.21285/achb.1015
EDN: JBQXVQ
Abstract
Studying the mechanisms of cellulose breakdown in Bacillus thuringiensis strains is of interest in the search for potential cellulase producers. Also, the ability of Cry3Aa proteins in Bacillus thuringiensis to bind to cellulase increases the stability of toxins in the insect gut. In the study, cellulase activity was determined qualitatively using Congo red dye and quantitatively via a method developed by A.P. Sinitsyn. The rate of cellulose breakdown was measured employing the Christensen method. The cellulase gene in Bacillus thuringiensis was identified using specific primers. The study aimed to examine cellulolytic activity and detect cellulase genes in Bacillus thuringiensis strains from the Crimean collection of microorganisms. At a similarity coefficient of 92%, all the examined Bacillus thuringiensis strains were found to form a monophyletic group characterized by a high cellulase gene homology, which comprises predominantly the serotypes thuringiensis, kurstaki, and dendrolimus. Maximum cellulase activity, reaching an average of 0.25 μg/mL, was observed in Bacillus thuringiensis strains belonging to the thuringiensis serotype, while the maximum cellulolytic activity (on average up to 80%) was exhibited by strains belonging to the kurstaki and thuringiensis serotypes. Pronounced cellulolytic properties were confirmed in the Bacillus thuringiensis strains 685, 792, 800, 926, 942, 989, 072, 0105, 0162, 0307, 0308, 0326, 0371, 0411, 0441, 0452, 0532, 0541, 41Н1, 109Н10, 12-91, 177, and 992. Treatment of southern black earth with the Bacillus thuringiensis strains 072, 0105, and 0326 was found to increase its cellulolytic properties up to 99.5% relative to the control.
Supporting agencies: The work was financially supported by the state assignment no. FNZW-2022-0006.
About the Author
A. V. Kryzhko
Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasiia V. Kryzhko, Cand. Sci. (Agriculture), Leading Researcher
150, Kievskaya St., Simferopol, 295453
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Review
For citations:
Kryzhko A.V. Cellulolytic activity of strains of the entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. Proceedings of Universities. Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology. 2026;16(1):72-81. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21285/achb.1015. EDN: JBQXVQ
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