Partial characterization of extracellular xylanolytic activity derived from Paenibacillus sp. KIJ1

An Antarctic bacterial isolate was found to exhibit the extracellular xylanolytic activity. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain was named Paenibacillus sp. KIJ1. The maximum xylanase production was achieved by growing Paenibacillus sp. KIJ1 in media with 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and 0.5% yeast extract, which were found to be the best sources of carbon and nitrogen, respectively. Optimal enzyme activity occurred at 50 degrees C and pH 6.0. The xylanase was very specific for xylan with little or no activity on other carbohydrates and synthetic aryl-glycosides substrates. Enzyme activity was enhanced by Ca2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ and strongly inhibited by SDS. The KIJ1 xylanase may offer potential for use as a microbial feed additive.