Bioactivity of actinomycetes isolated from costal sediments

Marine soil sample from different depths at two different sites were collected and all the samples were subjected for the analysis of the actinomycetes diversity. This reseach revealed that costal region of Cuddalore to Rameswaram is a potential source for wide spectrum of antimicrobial and anticancer metabolite producing actinomycetes. Findings of the present study conclude that marine environment actinobacteria are the potential ecosystem for antagonistic actinobacteria which deserves for bioprospecting. Isolation of actinomycetes from marine sediment of Cuddalore costal region to Rameswaram was successfully achieved. Screening of the actinomycete strains for antimicrobial activity shows positive results and one of the most promising potential isolate was selected and partially Characterized by followed International streptomyces project. The isolate NKC2 was aerobic, Gram-positive and grew well on PDA. Aerial mycelium was grey to black; basal mycelium yellowish orange; reverse side of the colony yellow. Light yellow diffusible pigment was produced; no melanin was produced. Tolerated 0-10% NaCl level but grew well at 2% NaCl concentration. It can grow in a wide range of pH 4-12, with optimum growth at pH 7 and 9. Growth in different temperatures showed that growth occurred between 20-35ºC, with optimum at 27ºC. The isolate also hydrolysed lipid, casein and starch and catslase positive. Utilised wide range of sugars as sole source of carbon.