Morphological Characteristics of the Lysobacter sp. Hz25 Strain, a Potential Source of Antimicrobial Compounds

Among the species belonging to the genus Lysobacter, known as micropredators, there are valuable strains-producers of antibiotics that can be effective in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. The morphological features (pigments and cell sizes) of a new strain Lysobacter sp. Hz25 were studied during cultivation on different media. It was found that the size of Lysobacter sp. Hz25 cells depends on the number of CFU per unit area of solid medium and the location relative to the center of the colony. At low CFU number and at the periphery of the colony, the cells are longer, which indicates their possible transition to a mobile state. The color of the colonies depended on the medium composition. The presence of a complex of yellow hydrophobic pigments in the cells and a complex of hydrophilic pigments secreted into the medium and coloring it pink and yellow was found. Understanding of the effect of the medium composition on the morphology of Lysobacter sp. Hz25 cells and colonies and, consequently, on its interaction with pathogenic microorganisms will allow more complete use of its properties for combating human infections.