A practical method for screening for beta-galactosidase secreting microbial colonies

Microbial colonies were replicated on YNB® agar plates overlaid with soft agar containing the glucose-oxidase/peroxidase (BIOTROL®) system. The pink color developed around the colonies was the result of the reaction of the glucose generated by the extracellular hydrolysis of lactose by beta-galactosidase, indicating secretion of this enzyme. This method proved to be very convenient for testing hundreds of colonies grown on agar plates for beta-galactosidase secretion by microbial cells. Colônias microbianas foram replicadas na superfície de ágar YNB® contendo lactose, recoberta com uma camada de ágar semi-sólido contendo o sistema glicose-oxidase/peroxidase (BIOTROL®). Coloração rosa foi desenvolvida ao redor das colônias como resultado da reação de glicose gerada pela hidrólise extracelular de lactose pela beta-galactosidase, indicando secreção da enzima pelo microrganismo.