Diversity and applications ofBacillusbacteriocins

Abstract

Members of the genus Bacillus are known to produce a wide arsenal of antimicrobial substances, including peptide and lipopeptide antibiotics, and bacteriocins. Many of the Bacillus bacteriocins belong to the lantibiotics, a category of post-translationally modified peptides widely disseminated among different bacterial clades. Lantibiotics are among the best-characterized antimicrobial peptides at the levels of peptide structure, genetic determinants and biosynthesis mechanisms. Members of the genus Bacillus also produce many other nonmodified bacteriocins, some of which resemble the pediocin-like bacteriocins of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB), while others show completely novel peptide sequences. Bacillus bacteriocins are increasingly becoming more important due to their sometimes broader spectra of inhibition (as compared with most LAB bacteriocins), which may include Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts or fungi, in addition to Gram-positive species, some of which are known to be pathogenic to humans and/or animals. The present review provides a general overview of Bacillus bacteriocins, including primary structure, biochemical and genetic characterization, classification and potential applications in food preservation as natural preservatives and in human and animal health as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, it addresses their environmental applications, such as bioprotection against the pre- and post-harvest decay of vegetables, or as plant growth promoters.

Bacterial swimmers that infiltrate and take over the biofilm matrix

“…molecules that are likely produced to reduce microbial competition (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, antibiotics, autolysins) (16,17). We reasoned that microbial motility could create a channel for in situ delivery of self-produced active bactericides to disrupt and repopulate the biofilms.…”

Evaluation of antimicrobial activities of Bacillus megaterium with a third-generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone)

“…Bacillus megaterium and other members of the genus Bacillus are known to produce a wide antimicrobial agents. Bacillus megaterium produces bacteriocin, called as megacin, which is a highly specific antimicrobial protein against broader spectra of gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, fungi and gram-positive species as well (Abriouel et al, 2011) (Holland and Roberts, 1964). Some current bacteriocins are produced by Bacillus megaterium, which used on the market, including Megacin C (Donoghue, 1972), Megacin Cx (Brusilow & Nelson, 1981), Megacin 19 (Khalil et al, 2009b) and Megacin 22 (Khalil et al, 2009a).…”

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Bacteria Having Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity

“…Members of Bacillus group are considered good producers of diverse antimicrobial substances, including peptide, lipopeptide antibiotics and bacteriocins [6]. Bacteriocin from Bacillus species are of interest because of their broader range of activity including Gram negative bacteria and fungi [27]. Bacteriocin like inhibitory substance from Bacillus species has been reported for its antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm potential [28].…”