Evaluation of antimicrobial activity in Paenibacillus spp. strains isolated from natural environment

Paenibacillus isolates were selected to test antimicrobial activity against bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts isolates, with the purpose of finding new bacterium species for microbiological control.

Fifty-five strains belonging to 15 species of Paenibacillus were inoculated on trypticase soya agar, potato dextrose agar and sabouraud agar plates in order to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against 16 indicator bacteria, 14 filamentous fungi and six yeasts isolates, both reference and field strains. After these screening, culture supernatant of 17 isolates was prepared. Twenty-five Paenibacillus isolates presented antimicrobial activity, where seven species (Paenibacillus chibensis; P. koreensis; P. illinoiensis; P. validu; P. pabuli; P. brasilensis and P. peoriae) stood out inhibiting at least 13 of the 16 indicator bacteria. Only 14 of the 55 isolates exhibited antifungal activity. P. peoriae inhibited 13 among the 14 filamentous fungi and all yeasts indicator strains. Fourteen isolates produced culture supernatant with antimicrobial activity.

Among the 55 isolates analysed, 25 exhibited a broad inhibition spectrum against bacteria and pathogenic fungi. P. validus, P. chibensis, P. koreensis and P. peoriae isolates proved to be the subject matter for studies on the production of antimicrobial agents.

The present study revealed other two species with antimicrobial activity: P. validus and P. chibensis, and it contributed to enhance Paenibacillus biocontrolling potential, proving that it exhibit a broad action spectrum.