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Bacteriocin diversity in Bacillus sphaericus
S Cetinkaya1, O Osmanağaoğlu, C Cökmüş
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, 061 00 Ankara, Turkey.
Folia Microbiologica
|June 13, 2003
Summary
Bacillus sphaericus strains produce diverse bacteriocins, identified using nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These antimicrobial peptides caused lysis and loss of viability in sensitive bacterial strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides with narrow-spectrum activity.
- Bacillus sphaericus is a Gram-positive bacterium known for producing various bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of bacteriocins produced by Bacillus sphaericus strains.
- To characterize the bacteriocin profiles and their effects on sensitive strains.
Main Methods:
- Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ND-PAGE) was employed to separate and visualize bacteriocin proteins.
- Electron microscopy was used to examine the morphological changes in bacteriocin-treated sensitive cells.
Main Results:
- ND-PAGE revealed distinct bacteriocin profiles among different Bacillus sphaericus strains.
- Six strains exhibited bacteriocin bands below the stacking gel, while two strains showed multiple bands in the resolving gel.
- Electron microscopy confirmed that bacteriocins induced lysis, swelling, and loss of viability in sensitive bacterial strains.
Conclusions:
- Bacillus sphaericus produces a diverse range of bacteriocins with potent antimicrobial activity.
- The observed bacteriocin diversity suggests potential for developing novel antimicrobial agents.