Selection and Optimization of Bacillus atrophaeus Inoculum Medium and its Effect on Spore Yield and Thermal Resistance

Multiple linear regression models to simulate spore yields of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS13 through optimization of medium composition

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a food spoilage spore-forming bacterium. Its spores are useful for multiple biotechnological applications. Nevertheless, few reports are available regarding the achievement of a high cell density and good sporulation effectiveness under fermentation conditions. Therefore, the current study was designed to optimize a low-cost fermentation medium allowing the highest sporulation yield by B. amyloliquefaciens strain BS13. Our data revealed that tryptone and starch were the best carbon and energy sources. In addition, two nitrogen sources namely, corn steep liquor (CSL) and yeast extract (YE), allowed a significant enhancement of spore production and they were both retained for further optimization. A combination of CaCl₂ , MgSO₄ , and MnSO₄ showed a positive impact on spores' production. The composition of the optimized medium was (in g/L); tryptone 3, starch 15, CSL 13.5, YE 1.5, CaCl₂ 0.1, MgSO₄ ·7H₂ O 0.012, and MnSO₄ ·7H₂ O 0.0012. Such medium was further validated in a 400-L fermentor. The spore yield by B. amyloliquefaciens strain BS13 was enhanced from 3.0 × 10¹⁰ spores/mL under flask culture conditions to 6.2 × 10¹⁰ spores/mL when cultures were performed on large scale. Therefore, strain BS13 spore preparation could be proposed as a promising probiotic and a biocontrol agent useful for plants, animals, and humans.

Comparison of the kinetics of lipopeptide production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens XZ-173 in solid-state fermentation under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions

This study aimed to compare the kinetics of lipopeptide production in solid-state fermentation (SSF) under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. Models based on the logistic, modified Gompertz and Luedeking-Piret-like equations were developed to describe the time course of fermentation under different conditions. The experiments were conducted in 250 mL flasks and a 50 L fermenter. The results showed that the non-isothermal process had higher levels of product formation rate and substrate utilization rate compared to the isothermal process. The part of substrate carbon to meet microbial maintenance-energy, biomass and lipopeptides formation requirements got increased using the non-isothermal technique. In addition, fermenter conditions positively influenced the lipopeptides formation rate with significantly higher levels of substrate for the microbial growth and product formation, though the product productivity and biomass both decreased as compared to flask. This is the first report that investigates the effects of temperature changing on the kinetics of lipopeptide production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain under SSF condition using soybean flour and rice straw as major substrates in flask and in fermenter.

Application of EPR Spectroscopy to Examination of Free Radical Formation in Thermally Sterilized Flumetasone

Thermal formation of free radicals in flumetasone sterilized according to the pharmaceutical norms at 160, 170 and 180 °C was examined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The microbiological analysis was done. Similar free radical concentrations were measured for flumetasone sterilized at 160 and 170 °C. The concentration was considerably higher than that for flumetasone sterilized at 180 °C. Fast spin-lattice relaxation processes, homogeneously broadened EPR lines, and complex free radicals system characterize the heated flumetasone. Free radicals were not observed 30 days after thermal sterilization. Optimal temperatures of sterilization of flumetasone are 160 and 170 °C.

Sterilization effect of UV light on Bacillus spores using TiO(2) films depends on wavelength

UV light and photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) and silver (Ag) are useful for disinfection of water and surfaces. However, the effect of UV wavelength on photocatalytic disinfection of spores is not well understood. Inactivation of Bacillus spores has been examined using different UV wavelengths and TiO(2) or TiO(2)/Ag composite materials. The level of UVA disinfection of Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus brevis vegetative cells increased with the presence of the TiO(2) and Ag photocatalysts, but had little effect on their spores. B. brevis spores were slightly more sensitive to UVB and UVC than the spores of B. atrophaeus. Photocatalytic sterilization against spores was strongest in UVC and UVB and weakest in UVA. The rate of inactivation of Bacillus spores was significantly increased by the presence of TiO(2), but was not markedly different from that induced by the presence of Ag. Therefore, TiO(2)/Ag plus UVA can be used for the sterilization of vegetative cells, while TiO(2) and UVC are effective against spores.

Additional effects of silver nanoparticles on bactericidal efficiency depend on calcination temperature and dip-coating speed

There is an increasing interest in the application of photocatalytic properties for disinfection of surfaces, air, and water. Titanium dioxide is widely used as a photocatalyst, and the addition of silver reportedly enhances its bactericidal action. However, the synergy of silver nanoparticles and TiO(2) is not well understood. The photocatalytic elimination of Bacillus atrophaeus was examined under different calcination temperatures, dip-coating speeds, and ratios of TiO(2), SiO(2), and Ag to identify optimal production conditions for the production of TiO(2)- and/or TiO(2)/Ag-coated glass for surface disinfection. Photocatalytic disinfection of pure TiO(2) or TiO(2) plus Ag nanoparticles was dependent primarily on the calcination temperature. The antibacterial activity of TiO(2) films was optimal with a high dip-coating speed and high calcination temperature (600°C). Maximal bacterial inactivation using TiO(2)/Ag-coated glass was also observed following high-speed dip coating but with a low calcination temperature (250°C). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the Ag nanoparticles combined together at a high calcination temperature, leading to decreased antibacterial activity of TiO(2)/Ag films due to a smaller surface area of Ag nanoparticles. The presence of Ag enhanced the photocatalytic inactivation rate of TiO(2), producing a more pronounced effect with increasing levels of catalyst loading.

Use of soybean vinasses as a germinant medium for a Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 sterilization biological indicator

A novel low-cost medium was developed from by-products and wastes from the ethanol agro-industry to replace commercial media in the production of a steam sterilization biological indicator (BI). Various recovery media were developed using soybean or sugarcane molasses and vinasse to prepare a self-contained BI. Media performance was evaluated by viability and heat resistance (D(121 °C) value) according to regulatory standards. A medium produced with a soybean vinasse ratio of 1:70 (1.4%) (w/v) produced the results, with D(121 °C)=2.9±0.5 min and Usk=12.7±2.1 min. The addition of 0.8% (w/v) yeast extract improved the germination of heat-damaged spores. The pH variation from 6.0 to 7.3 resulted in a gradual increase in the D(121 °C) value. The absence of calcium chloride resulted in a decrease in germination, while no significant differences were observed with starch addition. Soybean vinasses may thus be used as the main component of a culture medium to substitute for commercial media in the production of self-contained biological indicators. The use of ethanol production waste in this biotechnological process realized a reliable performance, minimized the environmental impact, and decreased BI production costs while producing a high quality product.

Greater enhancement of Bacillus subtilis spore yields in submerged cultures by optimization of medium composition through statistical experimental designs

Bacillus subtilis spore preparations are promising probiotics and biocontrol agents, which can be used in plants, animals, and humans. The aim of this work was to optimize the nutritional conditions using a statistical approach for the production of B. subtilis (WHK-Z12) spores. Our preliminary experiments show that corn starch, corn flour, and wheat bran were the best carbon sources. Using Plackett-Burman design, corn steep liquor, soybean flour, and yeast extract were found to be the best nitrogen source ingredients for enhancing spore production and were studied for further optimization using central composite design. The key medium components in our optimization medium were 16.18 g/l of corn steep liquor, 17.53 g/l of soybean flour, and 8.14 g/l of yeast extract. The improved medium produced spores as high as 1.52 +/- 0.06 x 10(10) spores/ml under flask cultivation conditions, and 1.56 +/- 0.07 x 10(10) spores/ml could be achieved in a 30-l fermenter after 40 h of cultivation. To the best of our knowledge, these results compared favorably to the documented spore yields produced by B. subtilis strains.