Isolation and characterization of lipid-degrading Bacillus thermoleovorans IHI-91 from an icelandic hot spring

Diversity and distribution of thermophilic microorganisms and their applications in biotechnology

Hot springs ecosystem is the most ancient continuously inhabited ecosystem on earth which harbors diverse thermophilic bacteria and archaea distributed worldwide. Life in extreme environments is very challenging so there is a great potential biological dark matter and their adaptation to harsh environments eventually producing thermostable enzymes which are very vital for the welfare of mankind. There is an enormous need for a new generation of stable enzymes that can endure harsh conditions in industrial processes and can either substitute or complement conventional chemical processes. Here, we review at the variety and distribution of thermophilic microbes, as well as the different thermostable enzymes that help them survive at high temperatures, such as proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, pullulanase, xylanases, and DNA polymerases, as well as their special properties, such as high-temperature stability. We have documented the novel isolated thermophilic and hyperthermophilic microorganisms, as well as the discovery of their enzymes, demonstrating their immense potential in the scientific community and in industry.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in hydrothermal continental systems

The term extremophile was suggested more than 30 years ago and represents microorganisms that are capable of developing and living under extreme conditions, these conditions being particularly hostile to other types of microorganisms and to humankind. In terrestrial hydrothermal sites, like hot springs, "mud pools", solfataras, and geysers, the dominant extreme conditions are high temperature, low or high pH, and high levels of salinity. The diversity of microorganisms inhabiting these sites is determined by the conditions of the environment. Organisms belonging to the domains Archaea and Bacteria are more represented than the one belonging to Eukarya. Eukarya members tend to be less present because of their lower tolerance to higher temperatures, however, they perform important ecosystem processes when present. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have morphological and physical adaptations that allow them to colonize extreme environments. Microbial mats are complex associations of microorganisms that help the colonization of more extreme systems. In this review, a characterization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that populate terrestrial hydrothermal systems are made.

Influence of thermal assistance on the biodegradation of organics during food waste bio-drying: Microbial stimulation and energy assessment

Recently, bio-drying was highlighted in the drying pretreatment of high-moisture organic wastes for their energy recovery. In this study, to investigate the influences of thermal assistance on microbial stimulation and energy utilization in organic degradation, thermally assisted bio-drying (TB) was conducted on food waste (FW) and was compared with conventional bio-drying (CB) and thermal drying (TD). As expected, more water was removed in TB, which exhibited no lag phenomenon and intensified microbial activity. Corresponding with the stimulated enzyme activity, more readily degradable carbohydrates, lipids and lignocellulose were decomposed in TB than those in CB, and lipid degradation generated a significant proportion of the total bio-heat generated (43.13%-45.83%). Furthermore, according to the microbial analysis (qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing), Bacillus was found to be the dominant genus involved in the degradation of organics during TB and CB. In the initial phase, rather than Weissella, as in CB, Ureibacillus was notable in TB for the degradation of readily degradable substrates. In the late phase, Pseudoxanthomonas and Saccharomonospora were enriched for degrading lignocellulose. In addition, heat balance and life-cycle energy assessment demonstrated that a small amount of thermal heat (11.96%) upgraded bio-drying with high energy efficiency. Compared with the CB and TD processes, the TB trial consumed less thermal energy (0.58 MJ/kg H₂O) and achieved a higher energy output/input ratio (3.64). This research suggests that thermal assistance is a promising approach to enhancing FW bio-drying, which exhibits efficient drying performance and great potential for energy recovery.

A systematic review of the genera Geobacillus and Parageobacillus: their evolution, current taxonomic status and major applications

The genus Geobacillus, belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, is one of the most important genera and comprises thermophilic bacteria. The genus Geobacillus was erected with the taxonomic reclassification of various Bacillus species. Taxonomic studies of Geobacillus remain in progress. However, there is no comprehensive review of the characteristic features, taxonomic status and study of various applications of this interesting genus. The main aim of this review is to give a comprehensive account of the genus Geobacillus. At present the genus acomprises 25 taxa, 14 validly published (with correct name), nine validly published (with synonyms) and two not validly published species. We describe only validly published species of the genera Geobacillus and Parageobacillus. Vegetative cells of Geobacillus species are Gram-strain-positive or -variable, rod-shaped, motile, endospore-forming, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, obligately thermophilic and chemo-organotrophic. Growth occurs in the pH range 6.08.5 and a temperature of 37-75 °C. The major cellular fatty acids are iso-C15:o, iso-C16:0 and iso-C17:o. The main menaquinone type is MK-7. The G-+C content of the DNA ranges between 48.2 and 58 mol%. The genus Geobacillus is widely distributed in nature, being mostly found in many extreme locations such as hot springs, hydrothermal vents, marine trenches, hay composts, etc. Geobacillus species have been widely exploited in various industrial and biotechnological applications, and thus are promising candidates for further studies in the future.

Isolation of novel Lactobacillus with lipolytic activity from the vinasse and their preliminary potential using as probiotics

Lactobacillus casei f1, L. paracasei f2 and L. paracasei f3 with lipolytic activity were isolated and identified from vinasses according to the morphological–physiological properties detection and 16S rDNA analysis. These three strains showed obvious lipase activities to olive oil and L. casei f1 performed highest enzyme activity of 17.8 U/mL. L. casei f1, L. paracasei f2 and L. paracasei f3 could lipolyze the blending oils, peanut oil and sesame oil with diverse degrading rates. The degrading rates to the preferred oils, L. casei f1 to blending oils, L. paracasei f2 to peanut oil and L. paracasei f3 to sesame oil, were 21.2%, 27.3% and 39.6%, respectively. The corresponding oil degrading rates increased as the cell growth and the highest degrading rates were obtained at the stationary phase with the viable count more than 7.5 LogCFU/mL. By GC–MS analysis, L. casei f1, L. paracasei f2 and L. paracasei f3 performed diverse lipolytic capacities to the 12 kinds of fat acids and all of them preferred to hydrolyze the linoleic acid with the degrading rate of 49.11%, 31.83% and 64.44%, respectively. These three strains showed considerable probiotic properties, displaying higher than 10⁶ CFU/mL desirable viable count though the simulated gastrointestinal tract, as well as inhibiting six indicator bacteria. These results suggested that the three isolated strains could be considered as novel probiotic candidates and applied in the food industry.

Integrated selection and identification of bacteria from polluted sites for biodegradation of lipids

Wastewater treatment plants face major social concern towards removal of problematic pollutants such as fat oils and grease (FOG). In this context, the main objective of the present work was to select natural bacterial isolates from different polluted sites and evaluate them comparatively to isolates from commercial products, for improved bioremediation strategies and bioaugmentation. In total, 196 isolates were analysed for genomic diversity by two PCR-fingerprinting methods and screened for biodegradation potential with pollutants as sole carbon source. The net area under curve (NAUC) was used for preliminary evaluation of growth ability in M9 medium supplemented with oleic acid and triolein. A principal component analysis of all NAUC data showed that natural isolates presented higher overall biodegradation ability and enabled the selection of 11 natural isolates for lipid degradation assays. Selected isolates were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as members of genera with previously described degradative strains, namely, Acinetobacter (1), Aeromonas (2), Bacillus (1), Pseudomonas (1) and Staphylococcus (6). Best biodegradation results in 7-days assay of FOG content removal were 37.9% for oleic acid and 19.1% for triolein by an Aeromonas sp. isolate and a Staphylococcus cohnii isolate, respectively. A respirometry approach confirmed their higher oxygen uptake rates, although longer adaptation phases where required by the Aeromonas sp. isolate. Consequently, these isolates showed great potential for future bioaugmentation products, to promote FOG degradation, for both in situ and ex situ approaches.

Multivariate insights of bulking agents influence on co-biodrying of sewage sludge and food waste: Process performance, organics degradation and microbial community

As a prerequisite additive, bulking agent played an essential role on organic wastes biodrying by affecting the organics degradation and microbial consortia. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to explore the relationships among the type of bulking agents, organics degradation and microbial community evolution. In line with the excellent physiochemical properties, corncob was found to be more desirable for biodrying with more water removal (62.13% vs. 53.70% for sawdust and 51.72% for straw) and higher energy efficiency. Furthermore, different bulking agents showed different biodegradability and affected co-existed organics degradation. In detail, corncob upgraded the amylase and lipase activities, thus promoting the degradation of readily degradable carbohydrates and lipids in feedstocks, which accounted for >60% of the bio-heat sources for water evaporation. In addition, pyrosequencing analysis revealed that Bacillus (>50%) and Ochrobactrum (>40%) were the dominant genera in thermophilic and cooling phases, with degradation capacities of readily degradable substrate and lignocellulose, respectively. And the pathogens, e.g., E. coli and K. pneumonia, were seriously inhibited by high matrix temperatures in corncob trial. These results not only suggested the corncob was a promising bulking agent, but the potential microbial mechanisms for organics degradation were also revealed.

Geobacillus yumthangensis sp. nov., a thermophilic bacterium isolated from a north-east Indian hot spring

A thermophilic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium isolated from the Yumthang hot spring in North Sikkim, India was subjected to taxonomic studies. The thermophilic bacterial isolate was designated as strain AYN2^T. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive and methyl red-negative. Strain AYN2^T was able to grow in the pH range from 6 to 10 (optimum, pH 7.5-8.0), at 40-70 °C (60 °C) and in NaCl concentrations of 0-4 % (1 %). The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (12.8 %), iso-C16 : 0 (13.9 %) and iso-C17 : 0 (13.8 %). No matches were found in the rtsba6 Sherlock libraries. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 42.11 mol%. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain AYN^T showed highest sequence similarity to the type strain of Geobacillus toebii (96 %). However, the phenotypic properties of strain AYN2^T were clearly distinct from those of G. toebii and related species. On the basis of polyphasic analysis, strain AYN2^T represents a novel species in the genus Geobacillus, for which the name Geobacillus yumthangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AYN2^T(MTCC=12749=KCTC=33950= JCM 32596).

Study on bioremediation of Lead by exopolysaccharide producing metallophilic bacterium isolated from extreme habitat

Lead released from manufacturing factories, recycling plants, automobile company and landfill leachate is abundantly found in wastewater. An efficient bioremediating agent for lead removal from wastewater is expected to ease the ever increasing problem. The present study reports Pseudomonas sp. W6 isolated from extreme habitat of hot water spring of North-East India evaluated for its Lead biosorption property. The bacterium showed capacity to resist 1.0 mM lead in both solid and liquid minimal media. Epifluorescence microscopy reveal the viability of bacterial cells under metal stress condition. ICP-MS analysis revealed 65% and 61.2% removal of lead from the Synthetic Bangladesh Ground Water medium in batch culture and column study respectively which was higher when compared to biosorption capacity of P. aeruginosa MTCC2474, P. alcaligenes MJ7 from forest soil and P. ficuserectae PKRS11 from uranium rich soil. Exopolysaccharide released by the isolate which influenced biosorption revealed the presence of ligands assayed using microbial hydrophobicity and FTIR. The extremophilic isolate is proposed as a choice for efficient bioremediation of lead contaminated wastewater.

The Geobacillus paradox: why is a thermophilic bacterial genus so prevalent on a mesophilic planet?

The genus Geobacillus comprises endospore-forming obligate thermophiles. These bacteria have been isolated from cool soils and even cold ocean sediments in anomalously high numbers, given that the ambient temperatures are significantly below their minimum requirement for growth. Geobacilli are active in environments such as hot plant composts, however, and examination of their genome sequences reveals that they are endowed with a battery of sensors, transporters and enzymes dedicated to hydrolysing plant polysaccharides. Although they appear to be relatively minor members of the plant biomass-degrading microbial community, Geobacillus bacteria have achieved a significant population with a worldwide distribution, probably in large part due to adaptive features of their spores. First, their morphology and resistance properties enable them to be mobilized in the atmosphere and transported long distances. Second, their longevity, which in theory may be extreme, enables them to lie quiescent but viable for long periods of time, accumulating gradually over time to achieve surprisingly high population densities.

Thermostable lipases from the extreme thermophilic anaerobic bacteria Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus SOL1 and Caldanaerobacter subterraneus subsp. tengcongensis

Two novel genes encoding for heat and solvent stable lipases from strictly anaerobic extreme thermophilic bacteria Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus (LipTth) and Caldanaerobacter subterraneus subsp. tengcongensis (LipCst) were successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli. Recombinant proteins were purified to homogeneity by heat precipitation, hydrophobic interaction, and gel filtration chromatography. Unlike the enzymes from mesophile counterparts, enzymatic activity was measured at a broad temperature and pH range, between 40 and 90°C and between pH 6.5 and 10; the half-life of the enzymes at 75°C and pH 8.0 was 48 h. Inhibition was observed with 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride and phenylmethylsulfonylfluorid indicating that serine and thiol groups play a role in the active site of the enzymes. Gene sequence comparisons indicated very low identity to already described lipases from mesophilic and psychrophilic microorganisms. By optimal cultivation of E. coli Tuner (DE3) cells in 2-l bioreactors, a massive production of the recombinant lipases was achieved (53–2200 U/l) Unlike known lipases, the purified robust proteins are resistant against a large number of organic solvents (up to 99%) and detergents, and show activity toward a broad range of substrates, including triacylglycerols, monoacylglycerols, esters of secondary alcohols, and p-nitrophenyl esters. Furthermore, the enzyme from T. thermohydrosulfuricus is suitable for the production of optically pure compounds since it is highly S-stereoselective toward esters of secondary alcohols. The observed E values for but-3-yn-2-ol butyrate and but-3-yn-2-ol acetate of 21 and 16, respectively, make these enzymes ideal candidates for kinetic resolution of synthetically useful compounds.

Methods for detection and characterization of lipases: A comprehensive review

Microbial lipases are very prominent biocatalysts because of their ability to catalyze a wide variety of reactions in aqueous and non-aqueous media. The chemo-, regio- and enantio-specific behaviour of these enzymes has caused tremendous interest among scientists and industrialists. Lipases from a large number of bacterial, fungal and a few plant and animal sources have been purified to homogeneity. This article presents a critical review of different strategies which have been employed for the detection, purification and characterization of microbial lipases.

Production of Thermostable Lipolytic Activity by Thermus Species

A quantitative screening for intra- and extracellular lipolytic activity was performed in submerged cultures of four Thermus strains using two different media (named T or D medium). Major differences in the extracellular lipolytic activity were observed in T medium, the highest values being for Thermus thermophilus HB27 and Thermus aquaticus YT1 strains (18 and 33 U/L, respectively). Two enzymes with lipase/esterase activity were identified in the four Thermus strains by zymogram analysis, with molecular weights of 34 and 62 kDa. No kinetic typification of the enzymes as primary metabolites was possible for any of the Thermus strains, because of the lack of a good fitting of the experimental lipolytic activity production rates to the Luedecking and Piret model. However, a linear relationship was found between the absolute values of biomass and total lipase/esterase activity (sum of intracellular and extracellular). For T. thermophilus HB27, an increase in the aeration rate caused the increase in the production of biomass and, particularly, intracellular lipolytic activity but the extracellular lipolytic activity was not affected except for the series with the strongest oxygen limitation. Transmission electronic microscopy revealed that T. thermophilus HB27 formed rotund bodies surrounded by a common membrane in cultures in the early stationary phase. The results suggest the occurrence of a specific mechanism of lipase/esterase secretion that might be due to the different composition and permeability of the cell membranes and those surrounding the rotund bodies.

Determination and characterization of thermostable esterolytic activity from a novel thermophilic bacterium Anoxybacillus gonensis A4

A novel hot spring thermophile, Anoxybacillus gonensis A4 (A. gonensis A4) was investigated in terms of capability of tributyrin degradation and characterization of its thermostable esterase activity by the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB). It was observed that A. gonensis A4 has an esterase with a molecular weight of 62 kDa. The extracellular crude preparation was characterized in terms of substrate specificity, pH and temperature optima and stability, kinetic parameters and inhibition/activation behaviour towards some chemicals and metal ions. Tributyrin agar assay showed that A. gonensis A4 secreted an esterase and V(max) and K(m) values of its activity were found to be 800 U/L and 176.5 microM, respectively in the presence of PNPB substrate. The optimum temperature and pH, for A. gonensis A4 esterase was 60-80 degrees C and 5.5, respectively. Although the enzyme activity was not significantly changed by incubating crude extract solution at 30-70 degrees C for 1 h, the enzyme activity was fully lost at 80 degrees C for same incubation period. The pH-stability profile showed that original crude esterase activity increased nearly 2-fold at pH 6.0. The effect of some chemicals on crude esterase activity indicated that A. gonensis A4 produce an esterase having serine residue in active site and -SH groups were essential for its activity.

Geobacillus zalihae sp. nov., a thermophilic lipolytic bacterium isolated from palm oil mill effluent in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Thermophilic Bacillus strains of phylogenetic Bacillus rRNA group 5 were described as a new genus Geobacillus. Their geographical distribution included oilfields, hay compost, hydrothermal vent or soils. The members from the genus Geobacillus have a growth temperatures ranging from 35 to 78 degrees C and contained iso-branched saturated fatty acids (iso-15:0, iso-16:0 and iso-17:0) as the major fatty acids. The members of Geobacillus have similarity in their 16S rRNA gene sequences (96.5-99.2%). Thermophiles harboring intrinsically stable enzymes are suitable for industrial applications. The quest for intrinsically thermostable lipases from thermophiles is a prominent task due to the laborious processes via genetic modification.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine putative lipase producers were screened and isolated from palm oil mill effluent in Malaysia. Of these, isolate T1T was chosen for further study as relatively higher lipase activity was detected quantitatively. The crude T1 lipase showed high optimum temperature of 70 degrees C and was also stable up to 60 degrees C without significant loss of crude enzyme activity. Strain T1T was a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, endospore forming bacterium. On the basic of 16S rDNA analysis, strain T1T was shown to belong to the Bacillus rRNA group 5 related to Geobacillus thermoleovorans (DSM 5366T) and Geobacillus kaustophilus (DSM 7263T). Chemotaxonomic data of cellular fatty acids supported the affiliation of strain T1T to the genus Geobacillus. The results of physiological and biochemical tests, DNA/DNA hybridization, RiboPrint analysis, the length of lipase gene and protein pattern allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain T1T from its validly published closest phylogenetic neighbors. Strain T1T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Geobacillus zalihae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain T1T (=DSM 18318T; NBRC 101842T).

CONCLUSION

Strain T1T was able to secrete extracellular thermostable lipase into culture medium. The strain T1T was identified as Geobacillus zalihae T1T as it differs from its type strains Geobacillus kaustophilus (DSM 7263T) and Geobacillus thermoleovorans (DSM 5366T) on some physiological studies, cellular fatty acids composition, RiboPrint analysis, length of lipase gene and protein profile.

Clostridium lundense sp. nov., a novel anaerobic lipolytic bacterium isolated from bovine rumen

A strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, endospore-forming, lipolytic bacterium, designated strain R1T, was isolated from bovine rumen fluid and characterized. Cells of this isolate were Gram-positive, non-motile rods that formed spherical terminal spores. The overall biochemical and physiological characteristics indicated that this strain should be placed in the genus Clostridium. The strain grew at temperatures between 25 and 47 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH between 5·0 and 8·5 (optimum pH 5·5–7·0) and in NaCl concentrations of 0–3 % (w/v). The isolate was not able to utilize glucose or other carbohydrates as carbon sources. The DNA G+C content was 31·2 mol%. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of R1T revealed that it has the closest match (98 % similarity) with Clostridium tetanomorphum DSM 4474T. The highest levels of DNA–DNA relatedness of the isolate were 61·9 and 54·3 % with Clostridium pascui DSM 10365T and C. tetanomorphum DSM 4474T, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, phylogenetic analysis, DNA G+C content, DNA–DNA hybridization data and distinct phenotypic characteristics, strain R1T (=DSM 17049T=CCUG 50446T) was classified in the genus Clostridium, as a member of a novel species, for which the name Clostridium lundense sp. nov. is proposed.

Geobacillus jurassicus sp. nov., a new thermophilic bacterium isolated from a high-temperature petroleum reservoir, and the validation of the Geobacillus species

Four thermophilic, spore-forming bacterial strains, DS1(T), DS2, 46 and 49, were isolated from the high-temperature Dagang oilfield, located in China. The strains were identified by using the polyphasic taxonomy approach. These were aerobic, gram-positive, rod-shaped, moderately thermophilic (with an optimum growth temperature of 60-65 degrees C), chemoorganotrophic bacteria capable of growing on various sugars, carboxylic acids and crude oil. Two strains, DS1(T) and DS2, were capable of growing on individual saturated hydrocarbons. The G + C content of the DNA of strains DS1(T) and DS2 was 54.5 and 53.8 mol%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA of strains DS1(T) and DS2 showed that they form a separate cluster within the genus Geobacillus. The cellular fatty acids of the isolates were dominated by iso-15:0, iso-16:0 and iso-17:0 acids, which are the typical fatty acids of bacteria from the genus Geobacillus. The DNA-DNA hybridization study and the comparative analysis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of strains DS1(T) and DS2 showed that they differ from the previously described Geobacillus species and belong to a new species, which was called Geobacillus jurassicus. DS1(T) (=VKM B2301(T), = DSM 15726(T)) is the type strain of this species. According to both DNA-DNA reassociation studies and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, two other strains, 46 and 49, were assigned to the species G. stearothermophilus. In this paper, we provide evidence that the new combinations G. stearothermophilus, G. thermoleovorans, G. kaustophilus, G. thermoglucosidasius and G. thermodenitrificans may be considered to be valid.

Geobacillus gargensis sp. nov., a novel thermophile from a hot spring, and the reclassification of Bacillus vulcani as Geobacillus vulcani comb. nov

A novel thermophilic spore-forming strain, GaT, was isolated from the Garga hot spring located in the northern part of the Transbaikal region (Russia). Strain GaT was found to be an aerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, thermophilic (optimum growth temperature is 60–65 °C), chemo-organotrophic bacterium that grows on various sugars, carboxylic acids and hydrocarbons. The G+C content of its DNA is 52·9 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity data show that strain GaT is closely related to members of the genus Geobacillus. Relevant chemotaxonomic data (in particular, the major fatty acid profile of strain GaT, which includes iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 acids) support the assignment of this strain to the genus Geobacillus. The physiological, biochemical and DNA–DNA hybridization studies of strain GaT showed that it differs both genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized Geobacillus species. Based on these data, strain GaT belongs to a novel species, Geobacillus gargensis sp. nov. (type strain, GaT=VKM B-2300T=DSM 15378T). The analysis of the phenotypic characteristics (additional to those given in the original description) of the type strain of Bacillus vulcani (DSM 13174T) showed that they are very similar to the major phenotypic characteristics of the genus Geobacillus. The low DNA–DNA reassociation values of strain DSM 13174T with various species of this genus (from 38 to 54 %) clearly demonstrate a sufficient genomic distinction of this strain and its taxonomic status as a species. The physiological characteristics, phylogenetic position and DNA–DNA reassociation values of B. vulcani allow this species to be reclassified as Geobacillus vulcani comb. nov. The main properties that differentiate G. vulcani from the other species of the genus are its ability to produce acids from glycerol, lactose and ribose.

Isolation and characterization of a cellulolytic Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4 strain from sugar refinery wastewater

A novel, cellulolytic, bacterial thermophilic strain, T4, was isolated from sugar refinery wastewater in southern Taiwan. This isolate, a Gram-negative, motile, aerobically growing sporulating rod, can secrete thermostable endocellulase (endo-1,4-beta-D-glucanase, EC 3.2.1.4) and hydrolyze carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), phosphoric acid-swollen cellulose, Avicel, filter paper, and salicin. When strain T4 was grown in CMC medium, the cellulolytic enzyme activity in culture supernatants was stable up to 70 degrees C. More than 10% of the original activity was still detectable after heating to 100 degrees C with a pH 7.0 for 1 h. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, DNA base composition, phenotypic and physiological characteristics, as well as DNA-DNA hybridization, strain T4 was classified as Geobacillus thermoleovorans T4 (DSM 14791 = CCRC 17200). We also demonstrated that the type species G. stearothermophilus (DSM 22 = ATCC 12980) could hydrolyze amorphous and crystalline (filter paper) celluloses at a rate of 13 and 14%, respectively, in comparison with strain T4.

Molecular cloning and characterization of two thermostable carboxyl esterases from Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Screening of the genomic libraries of Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC12980 and ATCC7954 for esterase/lipase activity led to the isolation of two positive clones. The results of subclonings and sequence analyses identified two genes, est30 and est55, encoding two different carboxylesterases, and genetic rearrangement in the est55 locus was revealed from genomic comparison. The est30 gene encodes a polypeptide of 248 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 28338 Da, and the est55 gene encodes a polypeptide of 499 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 54867 Da. Both enzymes were purified to near homogeneity from recombinant strains of Escherichia coli. The results of enzyme characterization showed that while both enzymes possess optimal activities with short chain acyl derivatives, Est55 has a broader pH tolerance (pH 8-9) and optimal temperature range (30-60 degrees C) than Est30. The activation energy of Est55 (35.7 kJ/mol) was found to be significantly lower than that of Est30 (101.9 kJ/mol). Both enzymes were stable at 60 degrees C for more than 2 h; at 70 degrees C, the half-life for thermal inactivation was 40 and 180 min for Est55 and Est30, respectively. With p-nitrophenyl caproate as the substrate and assayed at 60 degrees C, Est55 had K(m) and k(cat) values of 0.5 microM and 39758 s(-1) while Est30 exhibited values of 2.16 microM and 38 s(-1). Inhibition studies indicated that both Est30 and Est55 were strongly inhibited by phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, and tosyl-l-phenylalanine, consistent with the proposed presence of Ser-His-Glu catalytic triad of the alpha/beta hydrolase family. The enzymatic properties of Est30 and Est55 reported here warrant the potential applications of these enzymes in biotechnological industries.

Diversity of moderately halophilic bacteria producing extracellular hydrolytic enzymes

AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of moderately halophilic bacteria with hydrolase activities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Screening bacteria from different hypersaline environments in South Spain led to the isolation of a total of 122 moderately halophilic bacteria able to produce different hydrolases (amylases, DNases, lipases, proteases and pullulanases). These bacteria are able to grow optimally in media with 5-15% salts and in most cases up to 20-25% salts. In contrast to strains belonging to previously described species, that showed very little hydrolase activities, environmental isolates produced a great variety of hydrolases. These strains were identified as members of the genera: Salinivibrio (55 strains), Halomonas (25 strains), Chromohalobacter (two strains), Bacillus-Salibacillus (29 strains), Salinicoccus (two strains) and Marinococcus (one strain), as well as eight non-identified isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderately halophilic bacteria are a source of hydrolytic enzymes such as amylases, DNases, lipases, proteases and pullulanases.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although most culture collection strains are not able to produce hydrolases, it has been shown that environmental isolates can produce these potentially biotechnological important enzymes.