文摘
The present study was carried out to isolate rubber degrading bacteria and to check the enzymes responsible for degradation, so that the isolates can be effectively used in rubber degradation. Different bacteria were isolated from soil samples and natural rubber samples collected from a rubber processing unit, and were screened for their ability to degrade natural rubber by plate assay. A biodegradation experiment was carried out in the laboratory to confirm degradation. Enzymes responsible for natural rubber degradation were characterized, crude enzyme was extracted by submerged fermentation process and its activity was determined. After extraction of crude enzyme, it was partially purified by dialysis process, and then, the enzyme activity and specific activity were determined. Then, the ability of these enzymes to degrade natural rubber discs were checked. The ability of natural rubber degrading microorganisms to degrade rubber products such as rubber gloves discs and rubber tire discs, was tested. Among the isolated bacterial species, Bacillus subtilis was predominant and showed growth on the natural rubber discs. The biodegradation experiment showed 48.6 % weight loss. It was screened that laccase and manganese peroxidase enzymes are responsible for natural rubber degradation. When enzyme activity was determined, Bacillus subtilis, showed more manganese peroxidase activity compared to laccase activity. Laccase enzyme activity was 0.0138 IU and manganese peroxidase activity was 0.0155 IU. The molecular weights of laccase enzyme (64 kDa) and of manganese peroxidase enzyme (68 kDa) were determined. Biodegradation of rubber by microorganisms was confirmed by Schiff’s staining, SEM, FTIR and NMR studies. Keywords Bacillus subtilis Hevea brasiliensis Vulcanization Polyisoprene Laccase Manganese peroxidase