Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive, aerobic rod-shaped bacterium that belongs to the genus Bacillus. It is commonly found in soil, water, and the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. B. subtilis is renowned for its ability to form robust endospores, which are dormant, highly resistant structures that allow the bacterium to survive harsh environmental conditions.
The bacterium is characterized by its ability to produce a wide range of enzymes and metabolites, making it a valuable organism in various industrial and biotechnological applications. Bacillus subtilis has a long history of safe use and has been extensively studied as a model organism for understanding fundamental cellular processes.
Bacillus subtilis exhibits several notable features that contribute to its versatility and adaptability. It has a relatively small genome, containing approximately 4,100 genes, which allows for rapid growth and easy genetic manipulation. The bacterium is also known for its ability to secrete a variety of extracellular enzymes and proteins, which has led to its use in the production of enzymes, antibiotics, and other valuable compounds.
Furthermore, B. subtilis has a remarkable capability to form biofilms, which are surface-associated communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced matrix. Biofilms provide protection against environmental stresses and facilitate the exchange of genetic material among bacterial cells.
Industrial Uses
Bacillus subtilis has been extensively studied for its diverse physiological processes and regulatory mechanisms. It serves as a model organism for understanding important cellular processes such as sporulation, quorum sensing, motility, and biofilm formation. The bacterium’s ability to respond to changing environmental conditions and its sophisticated regulatory networks make it an intriguing subject for scientific research.
In biotechnology, the bacterium has been developed by industry as a vital industrial cell factory used for the production of a host of enzymes and industrial recombinant proteins. It has GRAS status. As outlined earlier it has exceptional protein secretion qualities and it fermentation is well established and characterised.
It has been investigated for the production of pyridoxine (Commichau et al., 2014).
So then, Bacillus subtilis is a versatile and widely studied bacterium that has significant importance in various fields, including biotechnology, industrial production, and basic scientific research. Its ability to form endospores, produce enzymes, and form biofilms contribute to its adaptability and usefulness in a range of applications.
References
Commichau, F. M., Alzinger, A., Sande, R., Bretzel, W., Meyer, F. M., Chevreux, B., … & Prágai, Z. (2014). Overexpression of a non-native deoxyxylulose-dependent vitamin B6 pathway in Bacillus subtilis for the production of pyridoxine. Metabolic Engineering, 25, pp. 38-49
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