Isolation and Characterization of Biotechnologically Potent Micrococcus luteus Strain From Environment

This study was conducted to isolate antagonistic and biotechnologically potent bacteria from environment. Micrococcus luteus was the only bacterium found producing antimicrobial metabolites and exhibited good probiotic characteristics. Micrococcus luteus showed antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, Salmonella typhimurium (16-20 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (11-15 mm) and Escherichia coli (5-10 mm). The bacterium was also found active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. It was found producing industrially important enzymes including protease, lipase and phytase, confirmed by screening with specific substrate supplementations. The bacterium was able to survive in 2% bile salt and 4% NaCl with good probiotic potential. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the Micrococcus luteus was found 79.61±0.02%, while the total phenolic content was 200µg/mL equivalent to gallic acid.