Probing Philippine termites for the potential use of lignocellulases and antimicrobial peptides
2016
Camposano, J.M.T. | Cleofe, M.A.S. | David, A.K.E. | Paclibare,I.P. | Adorada, J.R. | Caoili, B.L. | Bautista, Ma.A.M.
Despite the destructive behavior of termites, these insects have growing potential in biotechnology. Termites are known to degrade cellulosic materials and are able to elicit an adaptive bacterial response through the production of antimicrobial peptides. This study investigates the cellulolytic microbiota and antibacterial response of Philippine termites, Nasutitermes sp and Microcerotermes sp. For the cellulolytic activity, filter paper and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) agar plates were used, and the samples were characterized by Congo red assay, 16S rRNA sequencing and Analytical Profile Index (API) system. Cloning transformation and DNA sequencing, on the other hand, were performed for the unculturable bacteria. Seven colonies under 12 different genera and two endosymbionts were isolated from Nasutitermes sp., and 10 colonies under two genera were obtained for Microcerotermes sp. Congo red assay showed one cellulolytic isolate from the Nasutitermes sp. and five isolates from the Microcerotermes sp. For the unculturable bacteria, three species were identified from Nasutitermes sp. and two species from Microcerotermes sp. To investigate the antimicrobial activity of termites, workers were induced with Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn and Vibrio cholerae Pacini using three methods(i.e., filter paper feeding, dipping and walking). Protein extraction was performed after 6-8 and 24 hours incubation using ammonium acetate buffer. Extracts were tested against the same bacterial species and results show that antibacterial activity is present. The results indicate that termites are indeed an abundant source of bioactive compounds for future biotechnological needs.
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