Identification and Study of Thermophilic Bacteria Found in the Sulfur-Infused Hot Springs of South Lampung

Abstract

Thermophilic bacteria are microorganisms with the capability to produce a specific enzyme known as amylase, which exhibits resistance to heat and is referred to as thermostable. This study aims to isolate, characterize, and assess the enzyme-producing activity of bacteria from the hot springs of Way Belerang, Lampung, specifically amylase. The research procedures encompassed sample collection, isolation of thermophilic bacteria incubated in NA media for 48 hours, amylum testing with iodine after a 24-hour incubation in NA media containing starch/amylose, biochemical tests including TSIA, SIM, SC, urea test, sugar fermentation test, and catalase test. The results of the study yielded two isolates successfully isolated from the hot spring source, and Gram staining indicated that both isolates were Gram-negative bacteria. The assessment of bacterial activity in producing amylase was demonstrated by the presence of clear zones, with the largest bacterial diameter measuring 1.04 mm as measured using a vernier caliper. Characterization of the bacteria identified them as belonging to the Pseudomonas genus for isolates AB2 and AB3. Thus, the bacteria obtained in this study produce amylase enzymes that can be utilized in various industrial applications, including the food, beverage, textile, detergent, paper, pharmaceutical, and other sectors.