Paenialvin A-D, four peptide antibiotics produced by Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29

Four peptide antibiotics, named paenialvin A-D, were isolated from Paenibacillus alvei DSM 29. Mass spectrum analysis determined the molecular masses of paenialvin A-D to be 1891, 1875, 1877, and 1923 Da, respectively. Tandem mass spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to elucidate their chemical structures. Paenialvin A-D showed antimicrobial activity against most strains that were tested, including methicillin-resistant Staphalococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Loktanella hongkongensis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In particular, the minimum inhibitory concentration of paenialvins against Staphalococcus aureus reached 0.8-3.2 μg/mL. Although they were cytotoxic against HeLa cells at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, the lack of hemolysis by paenialvins confirmed that they are potential candidates for anti-tumor drugs.