Pseudomonas strains from the Livingston Island, Antarctica: a source of cold-active hydrolytic enzymes

Authors

Rubiano-Labrador, Carolina

Acevedo-Barrios, Rosa

García Lazaro, Alba

Ward Bowie, Lilia

Támara Acosta, Ana Karina

Mercado Molina, Blanca

Abstract

Pseudomonas spp. is considered one of the most successful bacterial genera due to its plasticity and metabolic versatility, which has allowed it to colonize different ecosystems, including Antarctica. The ability of Pseudomonas to adapt and survive in the hostile conditions of the Antarctic makes them a reservoir of enzymes that can be used in different biotechnological applications; however, research on this genus in Antarctica is still in its infancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and characterise cold-adapted Pseudomonas from Livingston Island, Antarctica, and explore their ability to produce cold-active hydrolytic enzymes. In the present study, we isolated seven cold-adapted bacteria related to the genus Pseudomonas. The isolated strains have the ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes. These results demonstrate that cold-adapted Pseudomonas from Antarctica are a promising source of cold-active enzymes with biotechnological potential.