Biodegradation of complex organics by Endophytic bacteria

Abstract

Recent advances employing microbial forms for the benefit of mankind has newlineproclaimed the significance of these miniature living forms invisible to our naked eye. It is newlinea renowned fact that all living forms either directly or indirectly are dependent on bacteria newlinefor their survival. Bacterial cells may establish a symbiotic relationship with the host newlinethrough either commensalism, mutualism or parasitism. Apart from the co-existence newlinebetween a bacteria and a host, it is also evident that the plants are being benefitted to a newlinegreater extent than the bacteria residing within the plant. A similar scenario is noticed in newlinecase of symbiotic bacteria residing within the animal body. It is clearly understood that newlinebacteria co-existing inside another living form should possess the mechanism to overcome newlinethe harsh environment prevailing inside a host organism. The idea behind the present work newlinealso depends on the ability of the plant endophytic bacteria co-existing within the ethnomedicinal newlineplants containing pharmaceutically active compounds. The present work newlineattempts to isolate these bacterial endophytes from ethno-medicinal plants and employ newlinethem in degradation of complex organics like dye and herbicides. newlineAlstonia scholaris L, Annona reticulata L, Centella asiatica L, Cinnamomum newlinezeylanicum L, Ferula asafoetida L, Gloriosa superba L. are well known plants with ethnomedicinal newlinevalues. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from these plants and were employed newlinefor the degradation of two dyes namely Acid Blue-9 and Direct Blue-14 and a well-known newlineherbicide 2, 4-Dichloroaceticacid (2, 4-D). 21 endophytic bacterial colony was procured as newlinea result of bacterial isolation from ethno medicinal plants. Among the 21 bacterial isolates newline6 isolates were gram negative and rod forms, while the other 15 were gram positive rods. newlineMost of the isolated endophytic bacteria observed were actively motile. newline