Abstract
In this study, we have isolated the halophilic fungi from mangrove ecosystem and analyzed it for their biotechnological potential. Soil samples were collected from the mangrove's ecosystem of district Lasbela, Balochistan Pakistan. Temperature, pH and salt concentration of the soil were analyzed for each sample. Potato dextrose agar supplemented with 15 % salt (NaCl) was used for the initial isolation of filamentous fungal strains. The isolated fungi were initially identified with the help of growth characteristics on potato dextrose agar, structural detailed observation by microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Total 19 different fungal species were analyzed for their halophilic and halotolerant capabilities. The fungi were then evaluated for biotechnologically important metabolites production (antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, polyphenolic compounds, xylanase, lipase, gelatinase, cellulases, amylase and protease). Majority of isolated species belonged to the genus Aspergillus (7) and genus Penicillium (7), 3 isolates belonged to genus Alternaria while one from Fusarium and one from the family Pleosporaceae. The antibacterial metabolites of the fungal isolates were found active against a range of bacteria including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. It was found that the fungal isolates from mangrove's ecosystem have a great potential for their biotechnological applications. Mangrove's ecosystems are rich in fungal biodiversity. The microbial biodiversity of such ecosystem can be a good source of biotechnologically important metabolites.