Isolation and biochemical characterization of acido-thermophilic phytase producer yeast strain for potential application in poultry feed

Samples for the screening of phytase producers were collected from different habitats. One gram of soil was inoculated in culture broth containing 2% (w/w) phytate containing organic substrate. The qualitative screening for phytase production is done by agar plate containing sodium phytate followed by quantitative screening by shake flask method. The selected isolate was biochemically characterized by the standard biochemical techniques. AR36 yeast culture, showing significant extracellular phytase production was selected, having a hydrolytic zone of 29 mm diameter on phytate containing agar plates and 0.52 U mL⁻¹ phytase activity. The enzyme had maximum activity at 50°C and acted within pH range from 5.0 to 5.5, which gave it the status of acido-thermophilic enzyme. Yeast strain is identified as Pichia kudriavzevii. The present study suggests that acido-thermophilic phytase from Pichia kudriavzevii has great potential for its direct inclusion into feed of monogastric animals i.e., poultry animals