Studies on lignin modifing microorganisms isolated from the coastal areas of South India

In nature, lignocellulose accounts for the major part of biomass and consequently, its degradation is essential for the operation of the global carbon cycle. Lignin is a major cell wall component which provides structural support to the plant and makes the polymer resistant to enzymatic degradation by microorganisms. In the present investigation, marine samples like sediments, water and floating plant material were collected for isolation of the microorganisms capable of oxidizing lignin. On plating the samples on marine agar and modified Potato dextrose agar over ninety bacterial species and around forty fungal species were isolated. These organisms were subjected to lignin modifying assay to screen for the production of ligninases. The result showed more bacterial species capable of oxidizing compared to fungi. This indicates the abundant presence of organic matter in the marine environment which have created the micro environment to thrive breaking down lignin and utilizing as a sole source of carbon. Such isolates allow the utilization of bound cellulose and hemicellulose which have applications in industries related to paper, textile, feed and also in the conversion of cellulose to biofuel.