Enzymatic and antimicrobial potential of Actinomycetota species from mangrove sediments in Tanzania

Abstract

The enzymatic and antimicrobial potential of Actinomycetota species present in mangrove sediments at Bagamoyo in Tanzania was explored. Ten strains were isolated from sediments and identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. All isolates were Gram positive and catalase positive. Eight isolates tested positive for amylase production. Crude extracts from five isolates showed antimicrobial activities in at least one of the five tested microorganisms, with MIC values ranging from 10 to 2.5 mg/mL. The 16S rRNA gene region of the five isolates was sequenced, and DNA barcoding revealed that the isolates belong to the genera Streptomyces (3 strains), Micrococcus (1 strain) and Hoyosella (1 strain). The Hoyosella isolate is reported here for the first time from Western Indian Ocean mangrove systems. The identified Actinomycetota have demonstrated capabilities to ferment sugars, produce enzymes and secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties, with potential application in pharmaceutical, agricultural and biotechnological industries.