The Uncultured Gamma Proteobacterium and Culturable Associated-Bacteria from Tunicate Herdmania momus

Abstract

Tunicate associated bacteria have been widely known as secondary metabolite producers. Beside the culturable bacteria, little is known about uncultured tunicate associated bacteria. This research aims to know the uncultured bacteria from tunicate Herdmania momus, to screen for antimicrobial activity from culturable Herdmania momus associated bacteria, and to test the crude extract for antimicrobial activity. The tunicate was successfully identified as Herdmania momus with accession number LC456724. The isolation of culturable bacteria resulted in 14 strains. The result 3 of the showing antimicrobial activity against gram-negative (MDR E. coli) and gram-positive (MRSA, MSSA, MDR B. cereus) bacteria. The strongest activity was from the crude extract of strain TSC 20. The 16S rDNA identification revealed the strain has the closest similarity with Bacillus subtilis, and the accession number is LC455706. While from the DNA of Herdmania momus discovered one uncultured gamma proteobacterium DNA fragment