Talaromyces verruculosus, A Novel Marine Fungi as a Potent Polyhydroxybutyrate Degrader

Fungi were isolated from Marine water collected from three different regions of Andhra Pradesh, India. A total number of 45 fungi were isolated of which 9 showed varied sized clear zones on assay medium. Largest clear zone was detected below and around the fungal colony WFPHB2, T. verruculosus for which the PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) depolymerase productivity has not yet been published. This strain grew well on PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) medium. In early stage of growth, enzyme production was highest at 30°C. Purification and characterization of PHB depolymerase secreted by WFPHB2 was carried which reported that single protein band of 45 kDa is responsible for depolymerase activity. 80μl of the purified enzyme showed clear degradation zone during plate assay. 96 hrs incubation in liquid broth containing WFPHB2 resulted in 90%depolymerization of PHB films.