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Characterization of a broad range antimicrobial substance from Bacillus cereus
P A Risøen1, P Rønning, I K Hegna
1Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|March 12, 2004
Summary
Researchers isolated a novel antimicrobial substance from Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. This bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) shows broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacillus cereus is a common bacterium with diverse strains.
- Antimicrobial substances are crucial for controlling bacterial infections.
- Characterization of novel antimicrobial compounds is essential for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel antimicrobial substance from Bacillus cereus type strain ATCC 14579.
- To determine the spectrum of activity and stability of the isolated substance.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the antimicrobial substance from B. cereus ATCC 14579 culture.
- Purification using reverse-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Characterization of the substance's properties, including molecular mass, heat stability, pH stability, and sensitivity to proteases.
Main Results:
- An antimicrobial substance, identified as a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS), was isolated.
- The BLIS has a molecular mass of approximately 3.4 kDa and is active against Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus luteus.
- The substance demonstrated high stability to heat, a wide pH range (2.0-9.0), and organic chemicals, but was sensitive to pronase E and proteinase K.
Conclusions:
- The characterized BLIS from B. cereus ATCC 14579 possesses a broad antimicrobial spectrum.
- This novel antimicrobial agent shows potential for application in controlling pathogenic bacteria.
- This is the first report of an antimicrobial substance from the B. cereus type strain ATCC 14579.