Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
09:18
Assessing the Putative Anticryptococcal Properties of Crude and Clarified Extracts from Mollusks
Published on: December 2, 2022
1.5K
Planctomycetes as Novel Source of Bioactive Molecules
Ana P Graça1, Rita Calisto1, Olga M Lage1
1Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal; CIIMAR-Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental-Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|August 30, 2016
Summary
Marine bacteria called Planctomycetes, found on algae, show significant potential for producing new antimicrobial drugs. Researchers identified genes for bioactive compound production in most strains, with many extracts exhibiting antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Area of Science:
- Marine Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Marine organisms, particularly sponges and macroalgae, are vital sources of novel therapeutic compounds.
- Planctomycetes, prevalent in macroalgae biofilms, are emerging as promising producers of bioactive substances.
- These bacteria share genomic and life cycle characteristics with Actinobacteria, known for producing bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial production potential of diverse Planctomycetes isolated from Portuguese macroalgae.
- To screen for genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, specifically nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS).
- To assess the antimicrobial activity of Planctomycetes extracts against various bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 40 Planctomycetes isolates using molecular assays for NRPS and PKS genes.
- Bioinformatic analysis to predict biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites.
- Antimicrobial activity testing of aqueous and organic extracts against *Escherichia coli*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Bacillus subtilis*, and *Candida albicans*.
Main Results:
- 95% of Planctomycetes harbored genes for secondary metabolite production (85% PKS-I, 55% NRPS).
- Antimicrobial activity was detected in 43% of extracts against *Candida albicans* and 54% against *Bacillus subtilis*.
- Bioactive extracts were identified from *Rhodopirellula lusitana*, *R. rubra*, *R. baltica*, *Roseimaritima ulvae*, and *Planctomyces brasiliensis*.
Conclusions:
- Planctomycetes from macroalgae biofilms possess significant genomic potential for producing antimicrobial compounds.
- The study validates the capacity of these bacteria to yield bioactive extracts with antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Further research into molecule isolation and characterization could lead to the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes
524
Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
524
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
2.0K
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
2.0K
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
1.8K
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
1.8K
01:29Biofilms
1.8K
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
1.8K
01:30Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
806
Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
806
01:30Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
1.4K
Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
1.4K