Isolation, Biochemical
Characterization and Antibiotic Potency of Bacteria isolated from Soil Sample
Gupta Namrata and Singh Aadi
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(8); 135-144;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/208rjbt1350144; (2025)
Abstract
Antibiotics are one of the most exploited secondary metabolites produced by bacteria
that are employed in a range of applications. Bacteria have evolved multiple mechanisms
against these antibiotics to survive. First, these bacteria may carry many genes
coding for resistance to a single drug and secondly, higher expression of genes
that encode for multidrug resistance. Antibiotic resistance is now a major challenge
that the world is currently facing. Most of the antibiotics used today are produced
by soil microorganisms. The present study aimed to isolate, biochemically characterize
and assess the antibiotic potency of bacteria obtained from a soil sample. This
effort screened and examined soil bacteria with antibiotic activity for morphological
features that can provide valuable information about the strain. Soil, being a rich
reservoir of microbial diversity, provides a valuable source for the discovery of
novel microorganisms with potential applications in various fields.
In this study, microscopical, biochemical and broth microdilution (MIC) methods
were carried out for the identification and antimicrobial activity of the isolates
obtained from soil samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics
that inhibits the visible growth of the bacterium was used to determine the susceptibilities
of bacteria to drugs such as antibiotics. The results highlight the diversity of
bacteria in the soil and their potential contributions to the field of antibiotic
discovery. The findings of this study will not only provide the evidence of prevalence
of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil samples but will also assist in designing
the appropriate dose and treatment schedule against infections.
