Isolation and Optimization of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa for Uricase Production

Uricase producing bacterium was isolated from poultry waste with a nutrient agar media containing uric acid. The isolation of bacterium was based on uricolytic activity on agar surface. The optimum condition for the growth of uricase producing bacterium was evaluated. The results showed that the maximum zone of clearance (16 mm) was recorded. Based on morphological and biochemical tests, the bacterial isolate was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The temperature 35oC, pH 7.0 and 1.5% salinity with 36 hours incubation were shown to be the optimum for uricase production by P. aeruginosa. Dextrose was shown to be the best carbon source than sucrose, maltose, starch and cellulose. Similarly, the yeast extract was found to be the best nitrogen source than urea, casein and ammonium nitrate for the production of uricase by P. aeruginosa. A. ANDERSON Department of Botany and Microbiology, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India. MICROBIOLOGY