Bacillus Cultures Research Articles

Biocontrol Efficacy of Trichoderma and Bacillus Isolates against Sclerotium rolfsii under in vitro Conditions

Background: Sclerotium rolfsii is a polyphagous pathogen which is uneconomical and difficult to control due to its broad host range and persistence due to its tough resting structures, i.e., sclerotia. Chemical control has been supplanted by biological phytopathogen control. Antibiotic microorganisms are regarded as one of the viable management techniques in an integrated approach for ecofriendly management. Methods: Twenty three Trichoderma spp. and twenty one Bacillus species were isolated at Groundnut Pathology Laboratory, ICRISAT, Patancheru from rhizospheric soils of Telangana during rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 and examined for antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii in an effort to design an effective biocontrol system for the management of Sclerotium rolfsii in groundnut. Result: The highest antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii has been observed in Trichoderma viride and Bacillus cereus. In the dual culture assay, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus cereus inhibited Sclerotium rolfsii by up to 65.33 per cent and 58.22 per cent, respectively. In the metabolites assay, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus cereus inhibited Sclerotium rolfsii by 63.33 per cent and 55.40 per cent, respectively. Thus, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus cereus displayed promising biofungicidal capabilities against the stem rot pathogen. ​

The development of a formulation, the selection and harmonization of the nutrient medium for determining the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics

The work is devoted to research on the selection of peptone for the optimization of the nutrient medium for the antimicrobial activity by the agar diffusion method of neomycin (framycetin), which have a similar chemical structure. The paper substantiates the relevance and importance of developing a formulation, selecting the optimal composition (ingredients), the quantitative ratio of ingredients, the pH of the medium, compliance of the proposed nutrient media with the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation and the European Pharmacopoeia for the standardization of antibiotics. The aim of the work was to study the components of the nutrient medium in comparison with the pharmacopoeial standards recommended for determining the effectiveness of antibiotics. It is shown that for carrying out microbiological tests in the standardization of antimicrobial drugs, the nutrient medium is the main one, and the correctness and accuracy of the interpretation of the research results depend on their quality. The experiment studied four brands of dry peptone and broth from different manufacturers - LLC NITSF and FBUN GNTs PMB (Obolensk) when working with the test strain of the spore culture Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633. An optimal nutrient medium is proposed, the composition and conditions of its preparation are selected. To determine the antimicrobial activity of framycetin by the agar diffusion method, a developed medium for determining the effectiveness of neomycin when working with the spore-forming form of the test strain Baccillus subtillis ATCC 6633 is proposed.

Viability and Diversity of the Microbial Cultures Available in Retail Kombucha Beverages in the USA.

Kombucha is a two-stage fermented sweetened tea beverage that uses yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to convert sugars into ethanol and lactate and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to oxidize ethanol to acetate. Its popularity as a beverage grew from claims of health benefits derived from this vibrant microbial bioconversion. While recent studies have shed light on the diversity of cultures in Kombucha fermentation, there is limited information on the diversity, and especially viability, of cultures in retail beverages that advertise the presence of Kombucha and probiotic cultures. In this study, 12 Kombucha beverages produced by different manufacturers throughout the US were purchased and microbially characterized. Eight of the beverages contained viable Kombucha cultures, while 3 of the remaining 4 had viable Bacillus cultures as added probiotics. Amplicon profiling revealed that all contained Kombucha yeast and bacteria cells. The dominant yeasts detected were Lachancea cidri (10/12), Brettanomyces (9/12), Malassezia (6/12), and Saccharomyces (5/12). Dominant LAB included Liquorilactobacillus and Oenococcus oeni, and AAB were Komagataeibacter, Gluconobacter, and Acetobacter. One beverage had a significant amount of Zymomonas mobilis, an ethanol-producing bacterium from Agave cactus. While Kombucha beverages differ in the types and viability of cultures, all except one beverage contained detectable viable cells.

Co-fermentation of acid treated coconut wastes using mixed Bacillus cultures for enhanced production of extracellular enzymes: Application in bioconversion of raw coconut fibers

Higher cost of production and functioning efficiency are the two most important aspects of cellulolytic enzymes, as they directly affect the bioconversion of cellulosic waste into fermentable sugars. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the production of cellulolytic enzymes from low-cost waste biomass for use in the sustainable hydrolysis of biomass to yield fermentable sugars. Since coconut waste is a major contributor to biodegradable waste, two different parts of coconut, including the hard shell of coconut (CS) and the fibers of the shell (FS), have been used for enzyme production as feedstock. Further, enzyme production has been carried out on co-fermentative and acid-pretreated coconut substrates (CS and FS) at different quantities using mixed bacterial cultures. Following this, a crude enzyme with a maximum 20 U/gds FPA, 62 U/gds BGL, and 167 U/gds EG has been produced by mixed Bacillus cultures under co-fermentation of 0.5 % acid-pretreated CS and FS substrates at a quantity of 5:5 (g:g) at 35 oC and pH 5.0. The crude enzyme showed its thermal stability for 16 h at 50 oC and released ∼34 g/L of sugars from the hydrolysis of untreated FS biomass in 24 h. This work may have significant applications in the area of biomass-based biorefining as well as waste management.

Effect of Soy Protein Products on Growth and Metabolism of Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus lactis, and Streptomyces clavuligerus.

Microbial nitrogen sources are promising, and soy protein as a plant-based nitrogen source has absolute advantages in creating microbial culture medium in terms of renewability, eco-friendliness, and greater safety. Soy protein is rich in variety due to different extraction technologies and significantly different in the cell growth and metabolism of microorganisms as nitrogen source. Therefore, different soy proteins (soy meal powder, SMP; soy peptone, SP; soy protein concentrate, SPC; soy protein isolate, SPI; and soy protein hydrolysate, SPH) were used as nitrogen sources to culture Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus lactis, and Streptomyces clavuligerus to evaluate the suitable soy nitrogen sources of the above strains. The results showed that B. subtilis had the highest bacteria density in SMP medium; S. lactis had the highest bacteria density in SPI medium; and S. clavuligerus had the highest PMV in SPI medium. Nattokinase activity was the highest in SP medium; the bacteriostatic effect of nisin was the best in SPI medium; and the clavulanic acid concentration was the highest in SMP medium. Based on analyzing the correlation between the nutritional composition and growth metabolism of the strains, the results indicated that the protein content and amino acid composition were the key factors influencing the cell growth and metabolism of the strains. These findings present a new, high-value application opportunity for soybean protein.

Скринінг продуцентів протеаз серед представників роду Bacillus, ізольованих з прибережної зони Кінбурнської коси

Protease-producing representatives of Bacillus have been isolated from various environments such as the rhizosphere, soil, sewage, food, waste, and saline environments (sea water, marine sediments, hypersaline lakes, salty food, soda lakes, etc.). However, today, little is known about the characteristics of proteases in representatives of the genus Bacillus, isolated from the coastal and aquatic environments. In this regard, the purpose of this work was to screen for the presence of different types of proteolytic activity in Bacillus cultures isolated from the coastal zone of the Kinburn split. Methods. The objects of the study were 15 cultures (L1-L15), isolated from the dry grass of the coastal zone of the Kinburn spit (Mykolaiv region). The cultures were grown under conditions of deep cultivation at 28 °С, with a mixing speed of the nutrient medium of 230 rpm for 2 days. Methods of determining proteolytic (caseinolytic, elastolytic, fibrinolytic, fibrinogenolytic, and collagenase) activity in the culture liquid supernatant were used. Results. Study of the spectrum of proteolytic activities of 15 strains of Bacillus sp. showed that L9, L1, L2 and L4 exhibited higher levels of proteolytic activity compared to the other strains tested. Bacillus sp. L9 and L2 showed the highest elastase activity (35.80 and 33.80 U/mL, respectively), L1, L2, and L4 − fibrinogenolytic (12.50, 11.20 and 10.33 U/mL, respectively), and L1 and L4 − fibrinolytic (13.00 and 10.90 U/mL, respectively) activity. Conclusions. According to its catalytic properties, a number of representatives of Bacillus sp. isolated from the dry grass of the coastal zone of the Kinburn split may be promising for further research as producers of enzymes with elastotic, fibrinolytic, and fibrinogenolytic activities.

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in In Vitro Culture and Bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis in Ex Vitro Conditions on the Growth and Development of Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.)

The blackberry, valued for its delicious fruit, has gained attention for its medicinal bioactive compounds. In vitro cultivation methods, including nanoparticle enhancement, are increasingly chosen due to their advantages over traditional propagation techniques. We tested the effect of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the growth and development of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) of the Navaho variety in an in vitro culture on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg dm−3 BA, 0.1 mg dm−3 IBA, 0.01 mg dm−3 GA3, and various concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg dm−3. The morphological features of the plantlets were assessed two and three months after the start of the culture. Selected biological characteristics of the plantlets were determined. The values of the morphological and biological parameters assessed in the plantlets from in vitro culture depended on the concentration of ZnONPs in the medium. Increasing the concentration of ZnONPs negatively affected the number and length of shoots and roots and the fresh weight of the plantlets. The total phenolic content in the plantlets from the treatments with ZnONPs was lower than in the control plants, but the total antioxidant capacity as measured by the ABTS method was higher. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the blackberry plantlets decreased at higher concentrations of ZnONPs in the medium. The addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the zinc content and reduced the iron content in the blackberry plantlets. Concentrations of 10–30 mg dm−3 ZnONPs increased the concentrations of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and copper, while at the highest concentration of 40 mg dm−3 ZnONPs, the concentrations of these minerals were similar to the control, except for a lower content of calcium and manganese. The plantlets from the in vitro culture growing in the presence of ZnONPs were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions in control soil and soil inoculated with Bacillus thuringiensis. Bacteria added to the ex vitro substrate favourably influenced the growth and development of the shoots and roots of the blackberry plants and their fresh weight.

Effects of dietary bacterial culture of fengycin-producing Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, intestinal and hepatopancreas health, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Probiotics are important for the normal physiological functions of fish and are used as feed additives in many aquatic animals. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of dietary bacterial culture of fengycin-producing Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on growth performance, intestinal and hepatopancreas health, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Three diets were formulated with supplementation of bacterial culture of fengycin-producing B. subtilis at 0, 0.3 and 0.5 g/kg levels, and these diets were defined as control, BS0.3 and BS0.5, respectively. After 6-week feeding, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was improved in the BS0.3 and BS0.5 groups. And the anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-10 and tumor growth factor β (TGF-β) were prominently increased in the hepatopancreas of fish fed with dietary B.subtilis diets (P < 0.05). The activity of lysozyme, the levels of complement component (C) 3 and C4 were remarkably increased in the hepatopancreas and intestine of fish fed with B.subtilis supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Histological (intestinal villi height was increased in BS0.3 and BS0.5 groups) (P < 0.05) and the expression of the gut physical barrier-related genes (Zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin) were increased in the B.subtilis supplemented groups (P < 0.05). The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β) were remarkably up-regulated in the intestine of fish fed with BS0.3 diet (P < 0.05), while the expression of IL-6 was remarkably diminished in the intestine of fish fed with BS0.5 diet (P < 0.05). Besides, the intestinal microbiota analysis illustrated that in the intestine of the fish groups fed with BS0.3 and BS0.5 diets, the abundance of Fusobacteriota and Cetobacterium were prominently increased (P < 0.05). After challenged with Aeromonas veronii Hm091, the survival rate of fish fed with BS0.3 diet was markedly improved (P < 0.05). Based on these results, supplementation of bacterial culture of fengycin-producing B. subtilis at a level of 0.3 g/kg has beneficial effects on immunity, intestinal microbiota, and disease resistance of common carp.

Predominance and bioactive potential studies of endophytic Bacillus Sps. from marine algae of Palkbay costal region, India

The genus Bacillus is a widely distributed and prominent species that has been extensively studied for its numerous benefits in various industries, medical applications, and agriculture. In this study, endophytic Bacillus species were isolated from seven different algal species using various growth media such as Nutrient agar, starch casein agar, ISP 2, and ISP 4. Throughout the study period, a total of 36 bacterial strains with similar morphological characteristics were identified. Among the isolates, five bacterial strains were found to be predominant when grown on ISP 2 media. These five strains were further subjected to 16s RNA Sequencing to determine their taxonomic classification. The results revealed that all of these strains belonged to the genus Bacillus. However, the other endophytic strains could not be identified due to limited sequence homology with existing entries in the NCBI database. To gain further insights into the isolated Bacillus cultures, analytical studies were conducted. Firstly, the functional groups present in the cultures were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the compounds present in the crude extracts of the cultures were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings of this current research demonstrate the presence of Bacillus species among green and brown algae in the Palk Bay coastal range. Moreover, these Bacillus strains exhibit potential for various biotechnological applications. The study aims to establish the predominance of Bacillus species in the algae of the Palk Bay region in South India, thereby contributing to our understanding of the microbial ecology in this specific geographical area

Coproduction of bio-microbicide and silver nano-microbicide mediated by endospore-forming Bacillus and their synergetic control of plant disease

BackgroundOne-pot synthesis of metal nanoparticles under ambient temperature and pressure using reducing and stabilizing materials from microbes is energy-effective and ecofriendly, but upstream extraction of biological raw materials and downstream purification of nanoparticles from bioreactors are laborious and expensive. To simplify the productive process for using metal nanoparticles as microbicides to control plant pathogens, we use an endospore-forming Bacillus biocontrol agent to produce the nano-microbicide and use the bacterial raw materials as bio-microbicides together with the nano-microbicide.ResultsBacillus cells at the stationary phase form endospores and tolerate Ag+ and Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), while the cell-free culture supernatant (CFCS) mediates the synthesis of AgNPs. AgNPs produced from the Bacillus culture and CFCS show similar physical, chemical, and electrical characteristics, and bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities. Moreover, the diluted products effectively protect the kiwifruit leaves from the infection of the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae.ConclusionsThis coproduction of bio-microbicide and nano-microbicide is a totally green one-pot synthesis process without extraction and purification and without production of waste and can be easily scaled up using the existing fermentation processing of Bacillus biocontrol agents. The application of the synergistic bio-microbicide and nano-microbicide can effectively control the bacterial canker disease of kiwifruit plants.Graphical

Oil dispersion characterization of microorganisms producing biosurfactants

The article is dedicated to studying the ability of crude oil emulsification and displacement by bacteria producing low-molecular-weight biosurfactants. Six hydrocarbon-oxidizing cultures of microorganisms were used in this study: 3 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (T1, T4, D2) and 3 Bacillus cultures: Bacillus licheniformis A3, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis A12, Bacillus subtilis A9 from the collection of the Biotechnology Department of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The research findings indicate that cells of P. aeruginosa T1 exhibited maximum emulsifying and displacing properties, with an E24 value of 76.4% and an oil displacement ability of 5.1 cm. Among the three genes responsible for the production of low-molecular-weight biosurfactants, the presence of one gene, rhlA, responsible for the synthesis of rhamnolipid biosurfactants, has been confirmed. It was demonstrated that strains P. aeruginosa T1, P. aeruginosa T4, B. subtilis A9, and B. subtilis subsp. subtilis A12 showed high emulsifying activity, making them potentially effective for application in biotechnological processes aimed at enhancing oil recovery from mature reservoirs and in bioremediation processes.

Probiotic Properties and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Bacillus spp. Isolated from Ethnically Fermented Soybean

Bacillus spp. probiotics used as feed additives can form spores and tolerate the harsh conditions of the human digestive system and are beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory bowel syndrome. Since reports on probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties of Bacillus spp. isolated from the fermented food of Northeast India have not been explored much. The present study focused on Bacillus spp. BN5, AY5, and AN8, possessing these desired properties. In the probiotics study, the isolates were screened for their tolerance to acid and bile salt, auto-aggregation, hydrophobicity, cholesterol assimilation, antibiotic resistance, and antagonistic properties. It was found that these isolates possessed the desirable probiotic traits. The Bacillus spp. culture and their supernatant were also screened for their ability to reduce LPS-induced inflammation in murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cells. All the Bacillus spp. culture and their supernatant treatments were found to reduced the Nitric oxide (NO) production by LPS-induced cell lines. The supernatant of LPS-induced cell lines were also analyzed to measure the level of inflammatory cytokine production. It was found that the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were reduced after co-treatment with LPS and Bacillus spp. culture or LPS and Bacillus spp. supernatant. Results suggested that the Bacillus spp. are potential probiotic candidates with anti-inflammatory properties.

Importance of Bio-Priming on Improving Seed Quality in Chilli (Capsicum Annuum L.)

India grows a lot of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.), and one of its most valuable commodities is its seed. However, the quality of the seeds is lost if they are stored for the months between harvest and the subsequent sowing. The seeds of Rudra and Byadgi Dabbi varieties were subjected to bio-priming with the Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus and Trichoderma viride on qualitative parameters with seven treatments. The experiment was carried out using CRBD. The culture of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus and Trichoderma viride at 2.5g /l and 5.0g/l concentration were used as pre-sowing bio-priming treatments. From the results it was found that the Bio-priming influenced significantly on the capability of the chilli seedlings with the improved germination percentage of 98.69% (2.5 g P. fluorescens, T1), shoot length 6.53cm (5 g P. fluorescens, T2), root length 7.18cm (5 g T. viride, T6), seedling length 13.43 cm (5 g P. fluorescens, T2) and seedling vigour index 1216.44 (5 g P. fluorescens, T2) in Byadgi Dabbi cultivar and where as in Rudra cultivar recorded germination percentage of 99.75% (T2), shoot length 4.13cm (5 g T. viride, T6), root length 7.38cm (5 g T. viride, T6), seedling length 11.56 cm (5 g T. viride,T6) and seedling vigour index 1140.12 (5 g T. viride, T6) when compared with control. Therefore, bio-priming with Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus and Trichoderma viride are effective in enhancing the quality parameters of seed in chilli.

Tobacco Leaf-Surface Extracts: Antimicrobial Potential against Phytopathogenic Fungi and In Vitro Culture Bacterial Contaminants

The excessive use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture demands sustainable alternatives to combat crop-affecting microorganisms. Plant-derived secondary metabolites have garnered attention as promising candidates with antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of tobacco plants, specifically non-commercial accessions Nic 1015 (“TI 1341”) and BHmN, recognized for their rich bioactive compounds. Our objectives encompassed the extraction of leaf surface compounds and the assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial activity against crop-damaging microorganisms. Ethanol-based extracts, abundant in diterpenes, were meticulously analyzed. Notably, BHmN contained cis-abienol, while both accessions featured α-CBT diol, as confirmed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). TLC-Bioautography and microdilution assays unveiled substantial antifungal activity. The growth inhibition percentages correlated with extract concentrations, highlighting the pivotal role of diterpenes. These extracts exhibited pronounced efficacy against Rhizoctonia solani and Stemphylium solani but displayed relatively weaker activity against Sarocladium oryzae. Notably, Nic 1015 extract demonstrated remarkable antifungal activity at a minimal concentration of 78 µg·mL−1, while cis-abienol and sclareol inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated in vitro antibacterial activity against common plant culture contaminants, Bacillus licheniformis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. In conclusion, the findings underscore the potential of these extracts as effective tools for controlling pathogenic fungi and bacterial contaminants in plant in vitro cultures. Harnessing plant-derived secondary metabolites, especially those from tobacco leaf surface, presents a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to mitigate the detrimental impact of microorganisms on agricultural crops, promising a greener alternative to synthetic chemical products.

Excellent photocatalytic and antibacterial performance of silver and cobalt doped MnO nanoparticles

Metals (Ag, Fe, Co and Ag+Co)-doped MnO nanoparticles are synthesized by sol–gel method and are investigated for photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques to determine the structural and morphological properties. The XRD results indicate the successful incorporation of the doped-metal elements into the lattice and changes in the crystallite sizes. The SEM micrographs indicate nano-porous and agglomerated grains after the doping and maximum nano-porosity is estimated for Co and Ag+Co doped nanoparticles. Methylene-blue (MB) dye is used to measure the photocatalytic activity which indicates the degradation of 94% for Ag+Co doped nanoparticles in only 30 min. The antibacterial activities of the nanoparticles are investigated against pathogenic bacteria by using the cultures of Bacillus, Escherichia Coli, Streptococcus and Cocci. The dose quantities are varied and compared with the standard Amikacin medicine that is commercially used for antifungal treatment. It is found that inhibition zones increase up to five times than the standard against Bacillus, Escherichia Coli and Cocci and doubles for Streptococcus at the dose level higher than 20 μl. These results indicate that Ag+Co doped MnO nanoparticles show the excellent photocatalytic performance and the best antibacterial results against the Bacillus bacteria.

Biocontrol adeptness of bacterial endophytes antagonistic to Colletotrichum spp. causing Colletotrichum leaf disease in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and harnessing its plant growth-promoting traits

Colletotrichum Leaf Disease (CLD) is one of the major leaf diseases which significantly affect growth and yield of natural rubber (NR). Development of eco-friendly disease management strategies is the need of the hour as various commercial fungicides are banned due to their detrimental effect on environment. The present study characterized antagonistic activities and plant growth promoting properties of five bacterial endophytes, isolated from rubber leaves and roots, against Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides, causing CLD in rubber. In the dual culture test, Bacillus sp. and Stenotrophomonas sp. showed 62 and 60 per cent inhibition of radial growth (PIRG). With the culture filtrate, Stenotrophomonas sp. (RLR1), Bacillus sp. (RRF1), B. subtilis (RLF1), Ochrobactrum anthropi (RLF3), and Burkholderia lata (RLF15) recorded suppression of growth up to 100%. These endophytic bacterial strains were identified based on biochemical characteristics and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates were also tested for twenty five plant growth promoting traits. All five isolates responded positively for cellulase production, siderophore production, citrate utilization, and oxidase production. However, all five strains responded negatively to chitinase, urease, phosphate solubilisation, hydrogen sulphide production, and fluorescent pigment production. These results confirmed that the five identified bacterial isolates possessing growth-promoting characteristics have the potential to be used as biocontrol agents against Colletotrichum spp., a major devastating pathogen of rubber.

Application of fruit juice for proliferation of Bacillus to control fungal phytopathogens

Plant-based media have recently been of interest as potential natural media for microbial culture. This study was conducted to apply inexpensive and available fruits to culture Bacillus antagonizing three fungal phytopathogens including Phytophthora capsici GTC 2.6.1, Rhizoctonia solani GTC 2.7.1, and Sclerotium rolfsii GTC 2.9.1. The results showed that the juice media of dragon fruit, Cavendish banana, watermelon, pineapple, and MT1 seedless guava could all be used to culture two screened antagonistic Bacillus strains including B08 and B18. Surveys on the media from watermelon juice indicated that juice concentration (based on mass of fruit pulp), initial pH, concentration of traditional medium added to the juice medium had different effects on the growth of two strains of Bacillus sp. B08 and B18. These preliminary results demonstrated the potential application of the juice in biomass production of antagonistic Bacillus strains. This approach is certainly safe for the environment and has the potential to improve fruit consumption and reduce the cost of microbial fertilizer production, so it needs more research attention.

Liposomal delivery system/adjuvant for tuberculosis vaccine.

As reported by the World Health Organization, about 10 million individuals were infected with tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. Moreover, approximately 1.5 million people died of TB, of which 214,000 were infected with HIV simultaneously. Due to the high infection rate, the need for effective TB vaccination is highly felt. Until now, various methodologies have been proposed for the development of a protein subunit vaccine for TB. These vaccines have shown higher protection than other vaccines, particularly the Bacillus culture vaccine. The delivery system and safety regulator are common characteristics of effective adjuvants in TB vaccines and the clinical trial stage. The present study investigates the current state of TB adjuvant research focusing on the liposomal adjuvant system. Based on our findings, the liposomal system is a safe and efficient adjuvant from nanosize to microsize for vaccinations against TB, other intracellular infections, and malignancies. Clinical studies can provide valuable feedback for developing novel TB adjuvants, which ultimately enhance the impact of adjuvants on next-generation TB vaccines.

Experimental study of immunotropic properties of metabolites of &lt;i&gt;Bacillus subtilis B-9909&lt;/i&gt; strain, promising in the formulation of a new hepatoprotector

This brief report is devoted to the experimental study of the immunotropic activity of a new compound, a metabiotic, based on metabolites (biologically active substances, BAS) produced by the saprophytic and safe standardized strain of Bacillus subtilis B-9909. The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate the immunotropic effect of metabolites produced by probiotic microorganisms of the genus Bacillus of the culture of probiotic microorganisms of the Bacillus subtilis B-9909 on laboratory animals when modeling their toxic lesion. Metabolites were isolated from the culture fluid of the bacterial culture Bacillus subtilis, strain RNCIM (Russian National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms) B-9909, during its deep cultivation in a medium consisting of hydrochloric acid hydrolysate of soy flour or pancreatic hydrolysate of casein. The study of humoral status indicators in experimental groups of animals in assessing the therapeutic efficacy of an experimental metabiotic sample, in relation to the group receiving the ursosan comparison drug, was carried out by determining such quantitative serum parameters as the titers of immunoglobulins M, G, A, E, the IFNa titer and the concentration of circulating immune complexes. Liver damage was studied by modeling acute toxic hepatitis in white rats. Thus, the studies conducted to study the humoral status of laboratory animals receiving metabolites produced by probiotic microorganisms of the genus Bacillus of the culture of probiotic microorganisms of the Bacillus subtilis B-9909 on laboratory animals when modeling toxic damage in them, give grounds to conclude that the test sample of BAS has a significant immunomodulatory effect, in comparison with ursosan. This circumstance allows us to recommend this compound as promising for the creation of a new hepatoprotector drug candidate with an immunotropic effect.

Efficient co-production of xylo-oligosaccharides and probiotics from corncob by combined lactic acid pretreatment and two-step enzymatic hydrolysis

Lactic acid (LA) is efficient in xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) production from poplar. However, the role of LA in XOS production from corncob has not been carefully elucidated, and the co-production of probiotics of Bacillus subtilis from corncob residue has not been reported. In this study, LA pretreatment was combined with enzymatic hydrolysis to produce XOS and monosaccharides from corncob. An XOS yield of 69.9% was obtained from corncob by combining 2% LA pretreatment and xylanase hydrolysis. Yields of 95.6% glucose and 54.0% xylose were obtained from corncob residue via cellulase, and the resulting cellulase hydrolysate was used to culture Bacillus subtilis YS01. The resulting viable count of the strain was 6.4×108 CFU/mL, and the glucose and xylose utilization were 99.0% and 89.8%, respectively. This study demonstrated a green, efficient, and mild process for producing XOS and probiotics from corncob by combining LA pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis.