Devosia litorisediminis sp. nov., isolated from a sand dune

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Taxonomy

Background:

• The genus Devosia comprises Gram-negative bacteria with diverse ecological roles.
• Accurate bacterial classification is crucial for understanding microbial communities and their functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To taxonomically characterize a novel bacterial isolate, strain BSSL-BM10^T, obtained from marine sand.
• To determine the phylogenetic and genetic relationship of strain BSSL-BM10^T to existing Devosia species.

Main Methods:

• Polyphasic taxonomic study including 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Genomic analysis using Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH).
• Analysis of chemotaxonomic features: major fatty acids, respiratory quinones, and polar lipids.

Main Results:

• Strain BSSL-BM10^T is a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile rod.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed strain BSSL-BM10^T within the Devosia genus, with 98.2% 16S rRNA gene similarity to *Devosia naphthalenivorans*.
• ANI and dDDH values indicated genetic distinctiveness from known Devosia species, supporting its classification as a new species.
• Chemotaxonomic data (Q-10 ubiquinone, specific fatty acids, and polar lipids) were consistent with the genus Devosia.

Conclusions:

• Strain BSSL-BM10^T represents a new species within the genus Devosia, named *Devosia litorisediminis* sp. nov.
• The distinct phylogenetic and genetic characteristics warrant its classification as a novel species.
• This finding contributes to the understanding of bacterial diversity in marine environments.