Production of Pectinase by Bacillus tequilensis M1 Using Banana Peel as an Economical Substrate

Banana peels are inexpensive by-products that contain high amounts of pectin, ranging from 15.89% to 24.08% dry matter. Utilizing them as raw materials for preparing high value-added products can reduce the cost of waste treatment. This research aimed to explore pectinase production by Bacillus tequilensis strain M1 using banana peels as the substrate, and to characterize the pectinase enzyme based on its substrate specificity. A mineral salt medium containing banana peel powder as a carbon source was prepared for pectinase production. The B. tequilensis M1 was inoculated in the medium and incubated at 37°C for 5 days. The enzyme was concentrated through ultrafiltration, and its activities were determined using the DNS method. The result showed that the molecular weight of the enzyme was determined to be 56 kDa using SDS-PAGE, and the active band was confirmed through zymography analysis. Concentrating pectinase from B. tequilensis M1 resulted in a 2.37-fold increase in specific activity, with an approximate yield of 56% and a specific activity of 0.166 U/mg. Furthermore, banana peel pectin was determined to be the best specific substrate. This study presents a promising approach for the biorefinery industry, utilizing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly bioprocess to produce pectinase from B. tequilensis M1using pectin-containing banana peels.