Isolation and Screening for Lipase Activity in an Endophytic Fungus Associated with Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

The current investigation highlights the lipase activity of endophytic fungal isolate TPS1 recovered from the stem of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. The isolate was fast growing on PDA, and macroscopic and microscopic traits were studied. The isolate was screened for lipase activity using Spirit Blue agar supplemented with olive oil, and changes in the medium were observed during incubation. The colony diameter increased from 11 mm on day three to 24 mm on day seven, while the medium became completely transparent on the 7th day. These findings suggest that isolate TPS1 produces extracellular lipase capable of hydrolyzing olive oil. These results indicate that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis may serve as a possible source of lipase-producing fungal endophytes that may be useful for biodiesel production and bioremediation.However, this research is a qualitative assessment based on a single medium, and the isolate remains unidentified. To confirm its activity and evaluate its biotechnological potential, molecular identification, testing on other lipase-detection media, and quantitative enzyme assays are necessary.

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