Abstract

Several bacteria associated to macroalgae can use phycocolloids as carbon source. Antarctic Bacteria's have physiological characteristics that might have evolved to allow the survival and functioning under the harsh conditions of that ecosystem. Therefore, Antarctic bacteria isolated from algae should have the ability to degrade complex sugars at lower temperatures than those isolated from wanner areas, which may have applications in the improvement of industrial processes that uses enzymes. The bacterial strain isolated from wrack algae, in King George Island, Antarctica, was identified as Bacillus on the base of 16S ribosomal gene analysis. The cell-free supernatant of the culture medium showed alginate-lyase and agarase activities. Significant differences in the optimal temperature to hydrolyze agarose and alginate were found within a range of 4 to 30 degrees C. While the agarase activity was higher at 4 C, the alginate-lyase activity was higher at 30 degrees C. Our results have biotechnological value and could be used with industrial aims.