Investigation of the Relationship Between Bioluminescence and the Production of α-Amylase of the First Bioluminescent Vibrio gigantis Strains From Izmir Bay

Abstract

As an alternative to chemicals used in the industry, the use of enzymes is gradually increasing, with their high reaction specificity and their ability to show minimal by-product formation. In the detergent industry among the industrial areas where enzyme use is widespread; due to high washing temperatures, loss of activity of the detergent and high energy consumption, cold active enzymes that exhibit high catalytic activity at low temperatures and have the potential to save energy are noteworthy. As one of these enzymes, α-amylase is intensely produced by marine bioluminescent microorganisms that show optimum microbial activity at 20°C. However, since the enzyme production differs among microorganisms, selection of the most suitable microorganism to be used in production is very important. In this study, based on the idea that bioluminescence will benefit by facilitating the selection of microorganisms that will come to the fore for α-amylase production, the relationship between bioluminescence and the production of extracellular α-amylase enzyme of Vibrio gigantis strains, which were obtained from the sources of our country, were isolated from Izmir Bay and were determined to have a high rate of α-amylase production, and which was the first record in terms of bioluminescent properties, was investigated. Among 20 V. gigantis strains, 2 different microorganisms, which are thought to be more advantageous in terms of enzyme production and bioluminescence, were selected and the extracellular protein and α-amylase production amounts of these organisms as well as the amount of bioluminescence were measured. By evaluating the data obtained as a result of the studies carried out, further studies were carried out with 2 strains, S2W42 and FU-9 gill, which exhibit both low and high enzyme activity. Also, an inverse relationship was observed between α-amylase enzyme activity and bioluminescence. It has been determined that both microorganisms used are effective in α-amylase production and can be used as model organisms in cold active enzyme production. For this reason, it is thought that our study will shed light on comprehensive studies to be carried out in the relevant field.