Characterization of the volatile profile of Antarctic bacteria by using solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry

Abstract

Bacteria belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are significant pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients and are resistant to a plethora of antibiotics. In this context, microorganisms from Antarctica are interesting because they produce antimicrobial compounds inhibiting the growth of other bacteria. This is particularly true for bacteria isolated from Antarctic sponges. The aim of this work was to characterize a set of Antarctic bacteria for their ability to produce new natural drugs that could be exploited in the control of infections in CF patients by Bcc bacteria. Hence, 11 bacterial strains allocated to different genera (e.g., Pseudoalteromonas, Arthrobacter and Psychrobacter) were tested for their ability to inhibit the growth of 21 Bcc strains and some other human pathogens. All these bacteria completely inhibited the growth of most, if not all, Bcc strains, suggesting a highly specific activity toward Bcc strains. Experimental evidences showed that the antimicrobial compounds are small volatile organic compounds, and are constitutively produced via an unknown pathway. The microbial volatile profile was obtained by SPME-GC-MS within the m/z interval of 40-450. Solid phase micro extraction technique affords the possibility to extract the volatile compounds in head space with a minimal sample perturbation. Principal component analysis and successive cluster discriminant analysis was applied to evaluate the relationships among the volatile organic compounds with the aim of classifying the microorganisms by their volatile profile. These data highlight the potentiality of Antarctic bacteria as novel sources of antibacterial substances to face Bcc infections in CF patients.

Chemical diversity of microbial volatiles and their potential for plant growth and productivity

“…Reported data show that two Pseudoalteromonas strains were able to completely inhibit the growth of most Bcc strains (Romoli et al, 2011). Methyl-2,3,3,4-tetrahydroxytetrahydrofuran ( Figure 5 ), indole ( Figure 3 ) and its derivatives, quinolones and ( S )-3-hydroxytridecan-4-one ( Figure 5 ) as signals have also been described (Diggle et al, 2006; Ryan and Dow, 2008).…”

Porifera collection of the Italian National Antarctic Museum (MNA), with an updated checklist from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea)

“…Haliclonissaverrucosa Burton, 1932 with vouchers MNA 915, MNA 916, MNA 917, MNA 918; Anoxycalyx (Scolymastra) joubini (Topsent, 1916) with voucher MNA 928; Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) nobilis (Ridley & Dendy, 1886) with voucher MNA 863) were previously published in other manuscripts (i.e. Fondi et al 2014; Orlandini et al 2014; Papaleo et al 2013; 2012; Mangano et al 2009; Romoli et al 2011) without an MNA catalogue number which have been assigned after the publication. In the collection is also present an uncommon sponge (i.e.…”

“…In total, the dataset includes 144 different morphospecies, and a total of 807 specimens. Several studies were based on this dataset: Alvizu et al (in press); Bertolino et al 2009; Calcinai et al 2000; Cattaneo-Vietti et al 2000; Fondi et al 2014; Mangano et al 2009; Orlandini et al 2014; Papaleo et al 2012, 2013; Romoli et al 2011; Sarà 2002; Sarà et al 1992. The validity and synonyms of each species name were checked in WORMS (World Register of Marine Species; http://www.marinespecies.org; last check made on 2018-03-28).…”

Draft Genome Sequence of the Volatile Organic Compound-Producing Antarctic Bacterium Arthrobacter sp. Strain TB23, Able To Inhibit Cystic Fibrosis Pathogens Belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia Complex

“…Particularly interesting is the novel finding that several Antarctic bacteria affiliated with diverse genera (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and isolated from diverse ecological niches (sponges, seawater, and sediments) produce VOCs (7). The analysis of VOC profiles performed using gas chromatography-solid-phase microextraction technology also revealed that these VOCs belong to quite different chemical classes, including sulfur compounds (8). The biological significance of VOC production by Antarctic bacteria is still unknown, but it has been recently demonstrated that many sponge-associated Antarctic bacteria possess the ability to inhibit the growth of other Antarctic strains (4).…”

“…Bcc strains are among the most dangerous pathogens in immunocompromised patients, such as those affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) (6), and are known to be resistant to several antibiotics (1,2). It is also noteworthy that the ability to inhibit the growth of Bcc bacteria is related to the production of VOCs (7,8). One of the most interesting Antarctic bacteria is Arthrobacter sp.…”