Investigation of the chitinase activities of microbial isolates obtained from the base of Tokat Almus dam lake

In this study, microbial isolates were taken from different points of the Almus Dam Lake in the Almus district of Tokat province in our country, and bacteria with chitinase activity were isolated from these isolates. Pure cultures of bacteria showing chitinase activity were prepared and their chitinase activities were measured by various methods. After the strains with the highest ability to break down the chitin molecule were determined, the colloidal chitin sample with the highest enzyme activity was determined among three different colloidal chitin samples, and the strains with high activity; pH and temperature stability determinations were made, optimum pH and optimum temperature values were determined. Afterwards, the effects of various inhibitors and activators on enzyme activity were tested. Stock cultures were prepared from all the bacteria used during the experiments to be able to use them in subsequent studies related to the degradation of chitin. According to the results of the study, it was determined that the isolated bacterial cultures were basic and mesophilic. Optimum pH values; 9.0 for B 98, 10.5 for B-123, 8.5 for B-124, and optimum temperature values were determined as 40 oC. As a result of experiments with various chemicals, chemicals with inhibiting and activating properties on the chitinase enzyme were determined.