Production of Pectinase from Bacillus sonorensis MPTD1

Seven isolates from spoiled fruits and vegetables were screened for pectinase production using pectin agar plates and the most efficient bacterial strain, MPTD1, was identified as Bacillus sonorensis. Optimisation of various process parameters was done using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs and it was found that parameters like yeast extract, K₂HPO₄, incubation time, NaNO₃ and KCl have a negative impact on pectinase production. Parameters like pH and MgSO₄ and pectin mass fractions have a positive impact on pectinase production. The maximum obtained enzyme activity was 2.43 (μM/mL)/min. This is the first report on pectinase production by Bacillus sonorensis.