Optimization of Agitation Rate in Bioreactor Increases Chitinase Activity of Serratia marcescens PT6

Serratia marcescens PT6 is a Gram-negative bacteria isolated from shrimp pond sediment that capable of producing chitinase. This study aimed to observe the effect of agitation rate on growth and chitinase activity of S. marcescens PT-6 in a bioreactor. The production of chitinase was done in 1.5 l bioreactor using colloidal chitin broth at the condition of pH 7, the temperature of 30°C, aeration of 0.04 vvm, and variation of agitation rate (200, 350, 500 rpm). Bacterial growth was measured by colonies counting in agar medium, while chitinase activity was measured by means of colorimetric every day for four days incubation. The results of ANOVA analysis show that the agitation rate had no effect on bacterial growth, but a significant effect (P<0.05) was observed on chitinase activity. The highest growth and chitinase activity were obtained at 200 rpm, with the highest chitinase activity of 0.006 ± 0.001 U/ml was at day-2. This study implies that the optimized agitation rate in the bioreactor increased the chitinase activity produced by S. marcescens PT-6. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2020.