Work

Potential of Indonesian Marine Endophytic Fungi as Extracellular Enzymes Producers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Marine endophytic fungi inhabit the internal tissues of seaweed, seagrass, and mangroves without causing harm. These fungi are known to produce extracellular enzymes, including proteases and cellulases, which play crucial roles in various biological processes and have potential applications in diverse industrial sectors. This study aimed to screen the enzymatic potential of marine endophytic fungi, identify selected isolates, and characterize their enzyme activities. A total of 20 fungal isolates were obtained, comprising 16 isolates from seaweed, three from seagrass, and one from mangrove leaves, collected from the coastal areas of the Seribu Islands (Jakarta), Sukabumi (West Java), Nusa Dua (Bali), and the Buton Islands (Southeast Sulawesi). Screening results showed that 50% of the isolates exhibited proteolytic activity on skim milk agar, while 40% demonstrated cellulolytic activity on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar. Two isolates with the highest clear zone indices for protease and cellulase activity were identified as Penicillium citrinum and Fomitopsis sp., with distinct morphological characteristics including velvety colonies and filamentous hyphal structures. The specific activities of the protease and cellulase were 5475.42 ± 2724.25 U/mg protein and 620.77 ± 607.71 U/mg protein, respectively, indicating high catalytic potential.

Source: Journal of Fungi

DOI: 10.3390/jof12050374

Authors: Mirah Afiza Nurazizah, Safrina Dyah Hardiningtyas, Muhammad Arief Budiman, Nurul Huda Abd Kadir, Kustiariyah Tarman

Institutions: IPB University, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Language: English

Topic: Enzyme Production and Characterization

Subfield: Biotechnology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137