An efficient screening approach for anti-Microcystis compounds based on knowledge of aquatic microbial ecosystem

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Natural Product Discovery

Background:

• Harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria, like Microcystis, pose significant environmental and health risks.
• Current methods for screening anti-Microcystis compounds can be inefficient.
• Algae-lysing bacteria offer a promising biological approach to control Microcystis populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient screening method for anti-Microcystis compounds using algae-lysing bacteria.
• To isolate and identify bacteria with potent algae-lysing and anti-Microcystis activities from natural water bloom environments.

Main Methods:

• A two-step screening process was employed: first, isolating algae-lysing bacteria, and second, selecting anti-Microcystis producers.
• Bacterial isolation utilized samples from co-cultivated fluids, water during bloom season, and direct water bloom samples.
• Anti-Microcystis activity was assessed for isolated algae-lysing bacterial strains.

Main Results:

• Water bloom samples yielded the most effective algae-lysing bacteria.
• Out of 20 isolated algae-lysing bacteria, 17 demonstrated anti-Microcystis activity.
• Argimicin A was identified as one of the active compounds produced by these bacteria.

Conclusions:

• Algae-lysing bacteria inhabiting water blooms are valuable sources for potent and selective anticyanobacterial compounds.
• This approach enhances the efficiency of screening for novel agents to manage Microcystis blooms.
• The findings support the use of naturally occurring bacteria for biological control strategies against harmful cyanobacteria.