Abstract
Members of the genus Kocuria are often found in soils contaminated with toxic metals or exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation. The use of classical cultivation technics often leads to the isolation of Kocuria sp. from underground spring waters. These bacterial isolates have to adapt their metabolism to survive in such extreme environments. Four bacterial isolates of the genus Kocuria (Kocuria sp. 101, 208, 301, and 401) were obtained from radon spring water (Jachymov, Czech Republic). These isolates were tested for their ability to withstand stress and extreme conditions. Growth was observed at a temperature range of 10–45 °C with optimal growth temperature between 20 and 30 °C. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in all four isolates was proved to be temperature-dependent. The strain Kocuria sp. 301 showed high resistance to all studied extreme conditions (UV radiation, desiccation, and free radicals in medium). The results suggest that isolates from radioactive springs might have developed mechanisms that help them survive under several extreme conditions and could be used in biotechnological production.
Highlights
Groundwater mineral springs are environments in which unique microorganisms with specific development can be found [1]
This study aimed to examine and characterize four bacterial isolates, identified as bacteria of the genus Kocuria, all of which were isolated from radioactive radon (222 Rn) spring water in Jachymov, Czech Republic
We evaluated their metabolic adaptations which could be impacted by their origin, such as fatty acid, siderophores and antioxidant production or various carbon sources utilization
Summary
Groundwater mineral springs are environments in which unique microorganisms with specific development can be found [1]. A few microorganisms are able to exist under specific conditions, such as the complete absence of light; low availability of organic substrates; the presence of toxic substances, such as heavy metals and radionuclides. The specifics of the environment force these microorganisms to develop unique metabolic pathways that can be used, for example, in bioremediation technologies. Many chemical reactions used in biotechnological production could be improved by performing them at extremes of temperature, pressure, salinity, and pH for efficient and cost-effective outcomes. It is essential to look for organisms that thrive in extreme environments found in nature and could thereby be a source of metabolites used in biotechnology. Bacterial communities from underground radioactive mineral spring water could be a potent source of microorganisms with extraordinary properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call