Detection and Characterization of Siderophores Producing Bacteria and Fungi with Potential to Chelate and Qualification & Quantification Assay

Siderophores are low molecular weight, Fe ion specific chelating agents which have been elaborated by microorganisms growing under low Fe stress. The present work aimed to detect and study the biodiversity of the Parnera hill forest and identify suitable different microorganisms which produce alternative, environment-friendly iron chelating agent i.e. Siderophores. To fulfill these objectives, the soil samples are collected from Parnera hill forests from different geographical locations during variable times and seasons. Isolated microorganisms were detected and identified for Siderophore production by CAS agar assay, level of Siderophore production is determined using various culture media. Also detailed study was carried out to identify types of siderophore produced using Arnow’s and Tetrazolium test, Spectrophotometric assay, FeCl3 test, Vogel test. The qualitative analysis of culture filtrates revealed the presence of Hydroxamate nature of siderophores for isolates S1-3, S6-12, S10-1, S9-10, S13-7, S13-8 and Catecholate nature of siderophores for isolates S1-1, S6-12 and S9-10 whereas, S1-3, S10-1, S13-8 and S14-19 isolates produced Carboxylate nature of siderophores The quantification of Catecholate nature of siderophores was also carried out: S6-12 showed maximum 80.76% siderophores production and S9-10 showed 70.15% siderophores production, whereas S1-1 showed least siderophores production 23.07% in 144 hours incubation. Therefore, isolates S6-12 and S9-10 are the most promising microbes and may be helpful for mass production of siderophores from microbes.