Characteristics and Selulotic Activities of Endophytic Fungi in Macroalgae (Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., Gelidium sp., and Caulerpa sp.) from Seagrass Habitat in Pari Island, Thousand Islands, Jakarta

Abstract

Macroalgae is one source of energy feedstock for bioethanol that has the potential to be developed as a renewable energy. Bioethanol is a product of fermentation of carbohydrates that require molds to produce cellulose decomposer enzyme complex into simpler forms. The purpose of this study were to determine the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with living macroalgae in seagrass habitats Pari Island, Thousand Islands, as well as measuring the activity of the endophytic fungus selulotik. A total of 21 isolates of fungi were isolated from four types of macroalgae, such as Sargassum sp., Caulerpa sp, Gracilaria sp. and Gelidium sp. The fungus was isolated on medium CMC (Carboxy Methyl Cellulose), congo red staining, and for the calculation of enzyme activity using the Milles method. The highest selulotic index value obtained from isolates of Aspergillus westerdijkial from Caulerpa sp. (PCLAR 6).

Cellulase activity for Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus sydowii optimum on day 2, while Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus westerdijkial optimum on day 1. Aspergillus versicolor and Aspergillus sydowii selulotik showed optimum activity at pH 7 and temperature phosphate 40 ⁰C.