Optimization of Indole-3-acetic Acid (IAA) Production by Bacillus megaterium BM5

One of the important phytohormones produced by plant growth promoting bacteria is the auxin; indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), with L-tryptophan as the precursor. In this study, we focused on the investigation of optimal conditions for the production of IAA by Bacillus megaterium BM5. We investigated culturing conditions, such as incubation temperature, pH of the culture medium and incubation period, with varying media components such as inoculation volume, tryptophan concentration and carbon and nitrogen source. Besides, optimization study intended for high IAA production was carried out with fermentation parameters such as rpm and aeration. The initial yield of 42 μg IAA ml -1 after 24 hr increased to 85 μg ml -1 when 5% (v/v) of L-tryptophan was used in the culture broth. The maximum yield of 320 μg IAA ml -1 was observed in trypticase soy broth (TSB) supplemented with starch and soybean meal as C and N sources with a C/N ratio of 3:1 (v/v) at 30°C, pH 8.0 for 48 hrs with 1.0 vvm and 250 rpm in 5 L working volume using 10 L scale fermenter. The bacterial auxin extracted from the culture broth was confirmed by thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography and effect on plant growth was confirmed by root elongation test.