2011
Volume 11, Number 3, pp. 118–123
Thermophilic actinomycetes from the soils of Georgia
D. Pataraya* and M. Gurielidze
S. Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of N.L.E. Georgian Agrarian University, D. Agmashenebelis Kheivani 10 km, 0159 Tbilisi, Georgia
The distribution of thermophilic actinomycetes in various types of soils of Georgia has been studied. Cultures of 98 types of thermophilic actinomycetes have been isolated. From their morphological and antagonistic properties they are attributed to the genera Thermoactinomyces, Thermomonospora and Streptosporangium thermophilum. Their detoxification abilities with respect to hydrocarbons (hexane, benzene and crude oil) have been studied. Cultures with protease activity have been found among them.
Keywords: hydrocarbon detoxication, protease activity, thermophilic actinomycetes