ABSTRACT:
Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to isolate marine actinomycetes, screen them for anti-viral activity and characterize the extract. Methods: Marine actinomycetes were isolated from sediment samples obtained from various parts of Tamilnadu. The isolates were identified as actinomycetes by microscopical and biochemical tests. Production of active constituents was carried out in two different media, namely, Glucose-Yeast extract Malt (GYM) broth and Luria –Bertani (LB) broth. The extraction of microbial DNA was purified by Agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: Among 25 marine isolates subjected to preliminary screening, only isolates S7 and S21 showed potential for anti-viral activity. All two marine soil isolates were synthesized actinomycetes extract with yield ranging from ranging from 32.25 to 53.62 U/ml. However, soil isolates S7 and S21 were selected for further studies because of its high productivity (53.62 U/ml and 52.31 U/ml). The actinomyctes strain are extracted and purified by using agarose gel electrophoresis and compared with marker DNA. The molecular weight of the DNA was determined. Conclusion: The study revealed that marine actinomycetes may be potential source of high yield, high substrate specify actinomycetes strain, which is an anti-viral agent.