Abstract

BIODEGRADATION OF CARCINOGENIC DYE, ETHIDIUM BROMIDE BY SOIL MICROORGANISMS

S. M. Patil and Dr. Chanda V. Berde*

ABSTRACT

Present study was carried out to isolate and study carcinogenic dye, Ethidium bromide degrading microorganisms from soil. Screening of EtBr degrading isolates on E-NA plates was carried out while purification and maintenance of the isolates carried out on Nutrient agar. Detection of EtBr degradation was done by using UV-spectrophotometer, TLC and electrophoresis technique. The ability of the degraders to utilize EtBr as sole carbon source was also studied. Plasmid isolation of six isolates was carried by using alkaline lysis method. Plasmid curing of selected isolates was done by using SDS as surfactant. Biochemical characterization and tentative identification of six isolates as Neisseria canis, Neisseria subflava, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Neisseria macacae, Pseudomonas putida, Aeromonas hydrophila was done as per the Bergey’s manual. All isolates are significantly useful for the degradation of EtBr. They showed the immensely clear zones on the E-NA plates. These six isolates utilized EtBr as carbon source. Plasmid curing shows the genes for EtBr degradation were to be chromosomal as cured cultures could degrade EtBr.

Keywords: Carcinogenic dyes, biodegradation, plasmid, plasmid curing, ethidium bromide.