Abstract

Siderophores are low molecular weight extra cellular organic compounds secreted
by microorganisms under iron-starved conditions. Siderophore binds iron with an
extremely high affinity and is specifically recognized by a corresponding outer
membrane receptor protein, which in turn actively transports the complex into the
periplasm of the cell. Fungal species were isolated from the soil obtained from the local
areas of Belgaum using Potato Dextrose Agar as culture medium. For the characterization
of the isolates, staining was performed. Crowded plate method was used for the isolation
of strains which was further purified by streak method. Results showed that fungal strain
coded as MKP1, MKP2, MKP3, MKP4 and MKP5 satisfies the definition of fungi. CAS
agar media was used to detect the siderophore production by MKP1, MKP2, MKP3,
MKP4 and MKP5 To detect the type of siderophore, different methods were studied viz:
Arnow’s Method for catechol type, Iron Perchlorate Assay & Csaky’s Assay for
hydroxamate type and TLC. Results showed that the siderophore isolated was of
hydroxamate type. Various environmental (pH, temperature and incubation time) and
nutritional parameters (carbon and nitrogen source) were studied for the optimum
production of siderophore. Results showed that pH 6.8, Temperature 30oC, optimal
duration 26 hours, Dextrose and peptone extract as carbon and nitrogen sources were
optimum. Siderophore from the MKP1 MKP2 & MKP4 strain were studied for their
antimicrobial activity. Antifungal activity was found against N. crassa, Aspergillus niger
and C. albicans while antibacterial activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis and E.
coli.

Key words: Potato Dextrose Agar; Fungi; siderophore; Hydroxamate; CAS