ABSTRACT
In the present study an attempt was made to isolate Serratia marcescens that would synthesize
chitinase which can be used for the effective biodegradation of a vast majority of crustacean
waste. Out of the 36 isolates screened the isolate no. (22) showed maximum chitinase activity
and was selected for further research. The isolates were identified as Serratia marcescens using
the standard identification parameters like gram staining followed by the biochemical assays.
Further characterization and purification of chitinase needs to be carried out.