6. Studies on antineoplastic enzyme producing bacteria from soil

Due to the hazards of chemotherapeutic drugs and its painful effects L-asparaginase are emerging as safer source of anticancer enzymes. Genetic studies and enzyme purification studies has always been simpler with regards to bacteria hence bacteria are also preferred source for L-asparaginase production. Study so far reports some of the bacterial L-asparaginase is allergic and therefore there is a considerable need to find alternative bacterial L-asparaginase. We have employed a media containing L-asparagine as principle carbon source for screening of l-asparaginase producing bacteria. Twenty isolates were obtained after screening various soil samples. A qualitative assay was performed in order to select the efficient bacteria. Out of these isolates twelve efficient bacteria are further selected for physiological studies and carbon sources utilization. Optimization of pH and temperature is also studied. We have also performed a comparative assay of these isolates for L-asparaginase production. The bacterial genera belong to Paenibacillus species, B. subtilis, Aneurinibacillus species, Staphylococcus species, S. saprophyticus, Brevibacillus species and Micrococcus species.