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Production of polyglutamic acid-like mucilage protein by Peribacillus simplex strain 8h
Suzuka Sato1, Natsuki Ichiyanagi1, Kenjiro Sugiyama2
1Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Kogakuin University, 2665-1 Nakano-cho, Hachioji, Tokyo, 1920015, Japan.
Folia Microbiologica
|August 10, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered a novel strain, Peribacillus simplex 8h, producing a highly viscous polyglutamic acid (PGA)-like substance. This finding expands the known sources of PGA and suggests new applications in medicine and biotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a protein found in the mucilage of Bacillus spp. with significant medical and biotechnological potential.
- Previous research on bacterial PGA has been limited to the Bacillus genus, particularly B. subtilis var. natto and B. licheniformis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and screen indigenous Bacillaceae family strains for polyglutamic acid (PGA) production.
- To characterize the biochemical and phylogenetic properties of a novel PGA-producing strain.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and screening of Bacillaceae strains from soil and withered leaves.
- Biochemical analysis of mucilage composition (protein, polysaccharide, amino acid content).
- Phylogenetic analysis to identify the isolated strain.
Main Results:
- A novel strain, identified as Peribacillus simplex 8h, was found to produce a highly viscous mucilage with PGA-like characteristics.
- The 8h mucilage contains a high percentage of glutamate (43%) and glucan as its polysaccharide component.
- Strain 8h exhibits significantly higher mucilage yield compared to the P. simplex type strain and possesses enhanced amphiphilicity due to increased hydrophobic amino acids.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first instance of viscous mucilage and PGA-like protein production by the Peribacillus genus.
- The unique properties of the 8h mucilage suggest its potential utility as a drug carrier and adjuvant in biotechnological applications.
