Production and Identification of L-Asparaginase from Symbiont Bacteria of Alcanivorax marinus as an Anticancer and Anti-viral Dengue agent’s

The objective of this study was to identify the bacteria responsible for producing the L-asparaginase enzyme within the macroalgae symbionts of Eucheuma spinosum, achieved through 16S rRNA analysis. Using an explorative design, this research used experimental laboratory methods. The sample under investigation was Eucheuma spinosum collected from the waters of Lae-Lae Spermonde Island in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Cytotoxicity tests for anticancer and antiviral dengue against MCF-7 cancer cells and Vero cells infected with dengue virus DEVN-2 were performed using the MTT method. The study revealed the presence of two bacterial species that yield L-asparaginase enzymes: Cobetia marina and Alcanivorax marinus. Among the Cobetia marina cultures, the highest Optical Density (OD 600nm) recorded was 1.43, corresponding to an L-asparaginase activity of 1.25μU/mL after 42hours of incubation. For the Alcanivorax marinus cultures, the peak Optical Density (OD 600nm) was 1.411, alongside L-asparaginase activity of 1.11μU/mL after 54hours of incubation. The bioactivity test revealed strong cytotoxicity in the whole extract of L-asparaginase, with an IC50 of 64.26μg/mL. The anti-dengue activity toward Vero cells is indicated by an inhibition percentage of 60% and a CC50 value of 160.57μg/mL, respectively. Therefore, it has no potential as an anti-viral dengue agent. Consequently, these bacteria demonstrate the capability to naturally produce L-asparaginase, thereby presenting a potential source for future anticancer but not for anti-viral dengue therapy.