Resources and enzyme production of thermotolerant microorganisms in the Gobi Desert of Turpan

Abstract:

[Background] Turpan Basin presents a dry climate with little rain, high temperatures in summer, and strong ultraviolet radiation, which make it difficult for common microorganisms to survive. Therefore, it is a precious place to explore thermophilic microbial resources. [Objective] To obtain thermophilic microbial resources in Turpan Basin, explore their ability to produce thermostable enzymes, and promote the development and application of thermophilic microbial resources in Xinjiang. [Methods] Six medium with different nutrient levels were used to isolate thermophilic strains from the surface sand samples of the Gobi Desert in Turpan at 50 ℃. After the isolates were identified, the capacity of the isolates in producing amylase, cellulase, xylanase, glucanase, and protease at high temperatures was measured. [Results] A total of 41 strains of thermophilic bacteria were isolated, belonging to 6 genera (Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Aeribacillus, and Caldibacillus) of Bacillaceae. Among the 41 strains, 29, 29, 33, 37, and 37 strains produced amylase, cellulase, xylanase, glucanase, and protease, respectively. Strains TRM81951, TRM81961, and TRM81969 were capable of producing multiple enzymes. Strains TRM81953, TRM81988, TRM81972, and TRM81957 had strong capacity to produce amylase, xylanase, glucanase, and protease, respectively. [Conclusion] The Gobi Desert in Turpan harbors multiple thermophilic strains of Bacillaceae, and most of these strains have strong capacity to produce hydrolases, which are conducive to the utilization of nutrients in the barren environment.