Robayo_2025_Arch.Microbiol_208_23

Antarctica is an inhospitable continent due to its extreme climatic conditions, such as low temperatures and nutrient scarcity. This adversity drives unique metabolic adaptations in resident microorganisms. Thus, fungal communities living in this environment can synthesize enzymes with applications in strategic industrial sectors. This study assessed the biotechnological potential of Antarctic fungi isolated from soils collected on Deception and King George islands, Maritime Antarctica. A total of 53 fungal isolates were recovered and screened for amylase, protease, lipase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase enzymatic activities. Qualitative screening detected enzymatic activity, including protease (n = 43), amylase (n = 36), lipase (n = 12), ligninolytic enzymes by using RBBR dye (n = 15), and guaiacol (n = 1). Notable isolates included Oudemansiella sp. PPH5 with the highest amylase activity (405.88 U dL(- 1)), Antarctomyces sp. PWB6 with the highest lipase activity (11.76 U mL(- 1)), and Cladosporium sp. RWB8 with the highest laccase (0.401 U L(- 1)) and lignin peroxidase (0.483 U L(- 1)) activities. This study was the first report of the isolation of an Oudemansiella strain on the Antarctic continent. Our results highlight Antarctic fungi as a valuable source of enzymes, with considerable potential for industrial application. Thus, fungi isolated from Antarctic soil represent promising candidates for bioprospecting and technological innovation.