Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Lam. and antibacterial activity test against some pathogenic bacteria

Mangrove plants are widely used traditionally in treating various types of infectious diseases in the people of Lombok Island. This study aims to isolate and characterize endophytic bacteria from the roots, stems, leaves and fruits of mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Lam. which grow in coastal region of Lombok Island (Gili Sulat), and to determine their antibacterial activity against some patogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Media used for isolation were NA and TSA. Antibacterial activity tests were carried out with well diffusion methods, and the level of antibacterial activity refers to the category according to Vasanthakumari. Characterization of endophytic bacteria includes their colony morphology, cell morphology, and physiology. Eighteen (18) endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained. Results showed that 12 isolates of endophytic bacteria had moderate (8-12mm) to strong category (Φ > 12mm) of their antibacterial activity against B. cereus and P. aeruginosa. Isolate of NBM2(1) gave the strongest antibacterial activity against B. cereus. It can be concluded that endophytic bacteria isolated from mangrove R. mucronata Lam. is highly potential to be developed as a new antibacterial source, especially against B. cereus pathogenic bacterium.