A novel strain of Streptomyces malaysiensis isolated from Brazilian soil produces high endo-β-1,4-xylanase titres

One hundred and sixty two actinomycete strains isolated from Brazilian soils were screened for xylanase activity, according to the size of the hydrolysis zones observed in oat spelts xylan agar plates. The strain AMT-3, later identified as Streptomyces malaysiensis, was selected as the best producer. In subsequent shake flasks fermentations using growth media contanning 1% (w/v) of either birchwood, or oat spelts xylan, plus organic nitrogen and salts, high endo-β-1,4-xylanase titres (EC 3.2.1.8) (116 U ml−1) were observed in the larchwood medium within 6 days. This is the first report concerning xylanase production by streptomyces malaysiensis, which has been recently described as a new species.