Sphingobacterium oryzagri sp. nov., isolated from rice paddy soil

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative and short rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated M6-31T, was isolated from rice paddy soil sampled in Miryang, Republic of Korea. Growth was observed at 4-35 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 % w/v). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped strain M6-31T with Sphingobacterium bambusae IBFC2009T, Sphingobacterium griseoflavum SCU-B140T and Sphingobacterium solani MLS-26-JM13-11T in the same clade, with the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities ranging from 95.8 to 96.6 %. A genome-based phylogenetic tree reconstructed by using all publicly available Sphingobacterium genomes placed strain M6-31T with S. bambusae KACC 22910T, 'Sphingobacterium deserti' ACCC 05744T, S. griseoflavum CGMCC 1.12966T and Sphingobacterium paludis CGMCC 1.12801T. Orthologous average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain M6-31T and its closely related strains were lower than 74.6 and 22.0 %, respectively. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7, and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were C15 : 0 iso, C17 : 0 iso 3OH and summed feature 3. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data obtained in this study showed that strain M6-31T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium oryzagri sp. nov. (type strain M6-31T=KACC 22765T=JCM 35893T) is proposed.

Sphingobacterium phlebotomi sp. nov., a new member of family Sphingobacteriaceae isolated from sand fly rearing substrate

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium, designated type strain SSI9T, was isolated from sand fly (Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli; Diptera: Psychodidae) rearing substrate and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain SSI9T contained phosphatidylethanolamine as a major polar lipid, MK-7 as the predominant quinone, and C16 : 1ω6c/C16 : 1ω7c, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 0 as the major cellular fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that SSI9T represents a member of the genus Sphingobacterium, of the family Sphingobacteriaceae sharing 96.5-88.0 % sequence similarity with other species of the genus Sphingobacterium. The results of multilocus sequence analysis using the concatenated sequences of the housekeeping genes recA, rplC and groL indicated that SSI9T formed a separate branch in the genus Sphingobacterium. The genome of SSI9T is 5 197 142 bp with a DNA G+C content of 41.8 mol% and encodes 4395 predicted coding sequences, 49 tRNAs, and three complete rRNAs and two partial rRNAs. SSI9T could be distinguished from other species of the genus Sphingobacterium with validly published names by several phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic characteristics. On the basis of the results of this polyphasic taxonomic analysis, the bacterial isolate represents a novel species within the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium phlebotomi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SSI9T (=ATCC TSD-210T=LMG 31664T=NRRL B-65603T).

Co-biodegradation studies of naphthalene and phenanthrene using bacterial consortium

Degradation studies of phenanthrene and naphthalene as a mixture was carried out using a developed bacterial consortium. The isolates used in consortium were identified as Chryseobacterium sp., Sphingobacterium sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., Agromyces sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Limited work is done on genus Agromyces in degradation studies of PAHs. Catechol production was detected using Arnow's assay suggested that the pathway used for degradation is the meta-cleavage pathway. Results showed that Tween 80, as a surfactant, had maximum effect on the growth of isolates during PAH degradation. This suggests that use of Tween 80 as a surfactant enhanced the uptake of PAH by bacterial isolates during degradation. The study further revealed that, bacterial consortium was successfully utilized in the treatment of water contaminated with PAH in a laboratory-scale biofilm bioreactor. The bacterial consortium was able to degrade 99.9% of naphthalene and 92.9% of phenanthrene as a mixture at a high concentration of 2000 mg/L within 6 days. Further scaling up of the biofilm bioreactor can prove beneficial in large scale treatment of PAH contaminated water. This study showed promising results and these bacterial strains can be used as potential tools for bioremediation of PAH in contaminated sites.

Mitigation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel using bioelectrokinetics

This study investigated the effectiveness of bioelectrokinetics in rehabilitating a silty clayey sand contaminated with diesel fuel using three novel bacterial strains; Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Sphingobacterium multivorum, and Sinorhizobium, isolated form agriculture land. Three electrokinetic bioremediation cells were used to conduct the tests and a novel electrode configuration technique was used to stabilize pH and water content in the soil specimen. Solar photovoltaic panels were used to generate sustainable energy for the process. The tests were carried out in outdoors for 55 days. Applied voltage, current passing through the electrokinetic cell, and the temperature of the soil specimen were recorded periodically during the test. The pH, water content, and diesel concentration were determined at the end of the tests. Over the test period, the voltage typically increased from zero before sunrise, remained relatively stabilized for about 4 h, and then started to decrease and dropped to zero by sunset. The temperatures in the cells were found to be 5-7 °C higher than the ambient temperature. The innovative electrode configuration succeeded in keeping the pH of soil to remain the same and thereby prevented the development of a pH gradient in the soil, an important development for survival of the bacteria. The diesel degradation in the soil after bioelectrokinetics were 20-30%, compared to 10-12% in the control test. The study was successful in developing environmentally friendly technology employing novel bacterial strains to degrade diesel fuel and utilizing solar panel to produce renewable energy for bioelectrokinetic during the winter season.

Sphingobacterium haloxyli sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from Haloxylon ammodendron stems in Kumtag desert

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, bacterial strain, designated 5JN-11^T, was isolated from Haloxylonammodendron stems in Kumtag desert, Xinjiang province, China. Strain 5JN-11^T grew at salinities of 0-6 % (w/v; optimum 0-2 %), a pH of 7.0-9.0 (pH 7.0-8.0) and temperatures of 20-42 °C (28-30 °C). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the strain was designated a member of the genus Sphingobacterium and the phylogenetic analysis showed that strain 5JN-11^T shared the highest similarity to Sphingobacterium gobiense H7^T, followed by Sphingobacterium chuzhouense DH-5^T and Sphingobacterium arenae H-12^T. The unfinished draft genome of strain 5JN-11^T was 4.69 Mb. The G+C content of strain 5JN-11^T was 42.8 mol%. The average nucleotide identity to S. gobiense H7^T was 90.5 %. The respiratory quinone was MK-7, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphoglycolipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic evidence, strain 5JN-11^T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacteriumhaloxyli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5JN-11^T (=ACCC 60072^T=KCTC 62457^T).

Sphingobacterium tabacisoli sp. nov., isolated from a tobacco field soil sample

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain h337T, was isolated from an arable soil sample of a tobacco field in Kunming, south-west China. The cells showed oxidase-positive and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10-35 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The cellular polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingophospholipid, four unidentified phospholipids, five unidentified lipids and three unidentified aminophospholipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain h337T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain h337T was most closely related to 'Sphingobacteriumyamdrokense' 3-0-1 (98.8 %) and Sphingobacteriumyanglingense CCNWSP36-1T (98.5 %) and shared less than 97 % similarity with other species of the genus Sphingobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization data indicated that the isolate represented a novel genomic species belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium. The characteristics determined in this polyphasic taxonomic study indicated that strain h337T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium tabacisoli sp. nov. (type strain h337T=KCTC 52298T=CCTCC AB 2017155T) is proposed.

From soil to blood: first human case of Sphingobacterium hotanense bacteraemia

This report describes a case of Sphingobacterium hotanense bacteraemia in a patient scratched by a rooster on the right arm. Diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic features are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of Sphingobacterium hotanense bacteremia reported in the medical literature.

Isolation of the Novel Chiral Insecticide Paichongding (IPP) Degrading Strains and Biodegradation Pathways of RR/SS-IPP and SR/RS-IPP in an Aqueous System

Chiral insecticide paichongding (IPP) is a member of cis-nitromethylene neonicotinoid insecticides used in China. IPP was the promising replacement for imidacloprid as a result of its higher activity against imidacloprid-resistant insects. Two pairs of enantiomers, RR/SS-IPP and SR/RS-IPP, were separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and employed in an aqueous system to investigate their biodegradation process. In this study, the strains G1-13/G1-14 and G2-19 with effective IPP degrading capability were isolated from agricultural soils. G1-14 was mutated from G1-13 by ultraviolet light exposure. Sequence alignment of 16S rRNA proved that these three strains belonged to the genus of Sphingobacterium. The degradation rate of RR/SS-IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. G1-13 and G1-14 reached 13 and 30% within 6 and 4 days, respectively. The degradation rate of SR/RS-IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. G2-19 could reach 35% within 5 days. Degradation intermediates (I1-I6) of enantiomers were detected, and two possible biodegradation pathways were proposed on the basis of the identification of metabolites.

Sphingobacterium jejuense sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity, isolated from compost

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, light yellow, short-rod bacterium (designated GJ30-7T) isolated from compost, was characterized using a polyphasic approach, in order to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain GJ30-7T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C and at pH 7.0 on R2A agar medium. Strain Gsoil GJ30-7T possessed β-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenosides Rb1 and Rc (the two main active components of ginseng) to ginsenoside F2. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, indicated that GJ30-7T belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium of the family Sphingobacteriaceae and was most closely related to Sphingobacterium yanglingense JCM 30166T (92.6 %), Sphingobacterium psychroaquaticum KACC 18188T (92.6 %), and Sphingobacterium thermophilum KCTC 23708T (92.0 %). The DNA G+C content was 43 mol% and MK-7 was the major isoprenoid quinone. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospolipid and one unknown polar lipid. In contrast to standard and reference strains, unidentified sphingolipid was also present. The predominant fatty acids of strain GJ30-7T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3) and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl (summed feature 9), supporting the affiliation of strain GJ30-7T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, strain GJ30-7T could be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from species of the genus Sphingobacterium with validly published names. The novel isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium jejuense sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain GJ30-7T (=KACC 18625T=JCM 30948T).

Microbial Degradation Mechanism and Pathway of the Novel Insecticide Paichongding by a Newly Isolated Sphingobacterium sp. P1-3 from Soil

Using 1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-8-nitro-5propoxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine (IPP) as the sole carbon source, we isolated a strain with a higher activity of IPP-degrading bacterium Sphingobacterium sp. P1-3 from soil. At 30 °C, pH 7.0 ,and 10 mg L(-1) IPP content, the degradation rate of IPP by Sphingobacterium sp. P1-3 could reach 57.75 and 62.47% in 20 and 30 days, respectively. The value of DT50 of IPP was 27 d at the level of 30 mg L(-1) IPP, while DT50 in the blank test was 151 d. During the IPP biodegradation process, five intermediates (M1-M5) were monitored and identified. On the basis of the identified metabolites and their biodegradation courses, a possible biodegradation pathway was proposed. IPP biodegradation mainly occurred on the tetrahydropyridine ring. IPP was transformed to five different metabolites by strain P1-3 through the oxidation and elimination of methyl, propyl, and nitro groups. Moreover, a new pathway involving M2 (1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-8-hydroxy-5-propoxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo [1,2-α-]-pyridine), M3 (1-((6-chloropydidin-3-yl)methyl)-7-methyl-5-carbonyl-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine), and M5 (8-amino-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydroimidazo[1,2-α-]-pyridine) was first monitored and identified.

Sphingobacterium yanglingense sp. nov., isolated from the nodule surface of soybean

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, catalase- and oxidase-positive strain, designated CCNWSP36-1(T), was isolated from the nodule surface of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivar Zhonghuang 13. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis clearly showed that the isolate represented a member of the genus Sphingobacterium. On the basis of pairwise comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CCNWSP36-1(T) showed 96.8% similarity to Sphingobacterium nematocida CCTCC AB 2010390(T) and less than 95.2% similarity to other members of the genus Sphingobacterium. Growth of strain CCNWSP36-1(T) occurred at 10-40 °C and at pH 5.0-9.0. The NaCl range (w/v) for growth was 0-4%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and several unidentified polar lipids. Sphingolipid was present. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0) and summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1)ω6c and/or C(16:1)ω7c). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 41.1 mol%. As the physiological and biochemical characteristics of strain CCNWSP36-1(T) and the type strains of its closest phylogenetic neighbours showed clear differences, a novel species, Sphingobacterium yanglingense, is proposed. The type strain is CCNWSP36-1(T) ( =ACCC 19328(T) =JCM 30166(T)).

Sphingobacterium nematocida sp. nov., a nematicidal endophytic bacterium isolated from tobacco

A novel Gram-negative strain, designated M-SX103(T), was isolated from a fresh leaf of Nicotiana tabacum Linn. collected at Yuxi City, Yunnan province, China, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Growth occurred at 10-40 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and with 0-3% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids of strain M-SX103(T) were iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:0) 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω7c and/or C(16:1)ω6c). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belongs to the genus Sphingobacterium, sharing 95.4-89.7% sequence similarity with type strains of members of the genus Sphingobacterium; it was most closely related to Sphingobacterium composti T5-12(T). On the basis of the taxonomic evidence, a novel species, Sphingobacterium nematocida sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is M-SX103(T) ( = JCM 17339(T) = CCTCC AB 2010390(T)).

Olivibacter oleidegradans sp. nov., a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium isolated from a biofilter clean-up facility on a hydrocarbon-contaminated site

A novel hydrocarbon-degrading, Gram-negative, obligately aerobic, non-motile, non-sporulating, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain TBF2/20.2(T), was isolated from a biofilter clean-up facility set up on a hydrocarbon-contaminated site in Hungary. It was characterized by using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate is affiliated with the genus Olivibacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae. It was found to be related most closely to Olivibacter ginsengisoli Gsoil 060(T) (93.3% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Strain TBF2/20.2(T) grew at pH 6-9 (optimally at pH 6.5-7.0) and at 15-42 °C (optimally at 30-37 °C). The major fatty acids were iso-C(15:0) (39.4%), summed feature 3 (iso-C(15:0) 2-OH and/or C(16:1)ω7c; 26.0%), iso-C(17:0) 3-OH (14.5%) and C(16:0) (4.5%). The major menaquinone was MK-7 and the predominant polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain TBF2/20.2(T) was 41.2 mol%. Physiological and chemotaxonomic data further confirmed the distinctiveness of strain TBF2/20.2(T) from recognized members of the genus Olivibacter. Thus, strain TBF2/20.2(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Olivibacter, for which the name Olivibacter oleidegradans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TBF2/20.2(T) (=NCAIM B 02393(T) =CCM 7765(T)).

[Characteristics of a 3-phenoxybenzoic acid degrading-bacterium and the construction of a engineering bacterium]

A bacterium capable of utilizing 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) as sole carbon source was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil. This bacterium, designated as BA3, was identified as Sphingobium sp. according to its physiological & biochemical characteristic and the similarity analysis of its 16S rDNA sequence. Strain BA3 was able to degrade 99% of 100 mg x L(-1) 3-phenoxybenzoic acid within 60 h. The optimal pH and temperature for the degradation were 7.0 and 30 degrees C, respectively. The degradation efficiency was related positively to initial inoculum size. The pyrethroid hydrolase gene (pytH) gene was amplified from the genomic DNA of Sphingobium sp. JZ-2 by PCR. Recombinant plasmids pPYTH was constructed by ligating pytH gene into the broad host vector pBBRMCS- 5. Under the help of plasmid RK600, pPYTH was transferred into Sphingobium sp. BA3 to construct engineering strain BA3-pytH; Fenpropathrin degradation experiments showed that strain JZ-2 was able to degrade only 60% of 50 mg x L(-1) fenpropathrin in 48 h while engineering strain BA3-pytH was able to degrade over 95% of 50 mg x L(-1) fenpropathrin under the same conditions. Even more, BA3-pytH could rapidly degrade 3-PBA, metabolic products of pyrethroid insecticides, eliminating the inhibition of 3-PBA to pyrethroid hydrolase. Therefore, in contrast to strain JZ-2, engineering strain BA3-pytH had more advantages in bioremediation of pyrethroid insecticides contaminated environment.

Production of polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid by using waste biomass of Sphingobacterium sp. ATM generated after degradation of textile dye Direct Red 5B

The degradation of textile effluent using microorganisms has been studied extensively, but disposal of generated biomass after dye degradation is a serious problem. The isolated Sphingobacterium sp. ATM was found to decolorize dye Direct Red 5B (DR5B) and simultaneously it produced polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid (PHD). The organism decolorized DR5B at 500mgl(-1) concentration within 24h of dye addition and gave optimum production of PHD. The medium contains carbon source as a molasses which was found to be more significant within all carbon sources used. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoates obtained revealed the compound as a polyhydroxyhexadecanoic acid. The activity of PHA synthase was found more at 24h after dye addition. The enzymes responsible for dye degradation include veratrol oxidase, laccase, DCIP (2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol) reductase, riboflavin reductase and azo reductase was found to be induced during decolorization process. The FTIR analysis of samples before and after decolorization of dye confirmed the biotransformation of DR5B. The GC-MS analysis of product obtained led to the identification of two metabolites after biotransformation of dye as p-amino benzenesulfonic acid and naphthalene-1-ol.

Pedobacter xinjiangensis sp. nov., from desert, Xinjiang

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, gliding, aerobic bacterium, designated 12157(T), was isolated from the desert of Xinjiang, China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The strain 12157(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0 and 30 degrees Celsius. MK-7 was the predominant respiratory menaquinone. The DNA G+C content was 42.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate was mostly related to the members of the genus Pedobacter, with similarities ranging from 90.0 % to 93.7 %. Phylogenetic evidence and the results of phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analysis support the establishment of a novel species, Pedobacter xinjiangensis sp. nov., with strain 12157(T) (=CCTCC AB 208092(T)=NRRL B-51338(T)) as the type strain.

Endosymbiotic bacteria in the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

Endosymbiotic bacteria were identified in the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a common pathogen of freshwater fish. PCR amplification of DNA prepared from two isolates of I. multifiliis, using primers that bind conserved sequences in bacterial 16S rRNA genes, generated an approximately 1,460-bp DNA product, which was cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis demonstrated that 16S rRNA gene sequences from three classes of bacteria were present in the PCR product. These included Alphaproteobacteria (Rickettsiales), Sphingobacteria, and Flavobacterium columnare. DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining showed endosymbionts dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of trophonts and, in most, but not all theronts. Endosymbionts were observed by transmission electron microscopy in the cytoplasm, surrounded by a prominent, electron-translucent halo characteristic of Rickettsia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that bacteria from the Rickettsiales and Sphingobacteriales classes are endosymbionts of I. multifiliis, found in the cytoplasm, but not in the macronucleus or micronucleus. In contrast, F. columnare was not detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. It likely adheres to I. multifiliis through association with cilia. The role that endosymbiotic bacteria play in the life history of I. multifiliis is not known.

Niastella populi sp. nov., isolated from soil of Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) forest, and emended description of the genus Niastella

A novel bacterial strain, designated THYL-44(T), was isolated from the soil of a Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) forest in Xinjiang, China. The cells were strictly aerobic, Gram-staining-negative, non-flagellated, non-motile and filamentous. Growth occurred at 17-37 degrees C (optimum 30 degrees C), at pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-1 % NaCl (w/v; optimum 0 %). Flexirubin pigments were not produced. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain THYL-44(T) was closely related to Niastella koreensis KACC 11465(T) (95.5 % sequence similarity). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (28.6 %), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH (23.9 %) and iso-C(15 : 1) G (17.4 %). The DNA G+C content was 45.2 mol%. Therefore, the phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic data demonstrated that strain THYL-44(T) represents a novel species of the genus Niastella , for which the name Niastella populi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is THYL-44(T) (=CCTCC AB 208238(T)=KCTC 22560(T)). On the basis of new data, an emended description of the genus Niastella is also proposed.

Sphingobacterium canadense sp. nov., an isolate from corn roots

A free-living Gram-negative bacterial strain CR11(T) was isolated from corn roots. Polyphasic taxonomy was performed, including API20 NE and API50 CH bacterial identification kits, Biolog analysis, lipids and fatty acid analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA and cpn60 gene sequence analyses. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain CR11(T) belonged to the genus Sphingobacterium and was closely related to Sphingobacterium multivorum IFO 14947(T) (98% similarity) and Sphingobacterium. thalpophilum ATCC 43320(T) (97% similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization showed 11% and 13% DNA re-association with S. multivorum LMG 8342(T) and S. thalpophilum LMG 11520(T), respectively. Major fatty acids (16:0, 15:0 iso and 17:0 iso 3-OH) and the G+C content of the DNA (40.5 mol%), were also similar to those of the genus Sphingobacterium. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. In all analyses, including phenotypic characterization, this isolate was found to be different from the closely related species, S. multivorum and S. thalpophilum. On the basis of these results, this strain represents a new species within the genus Sphingobacterium. The name Sphingobacterium canadense sp. nov. is suggested and the type strain is CR11(T) (=NCCB 100125(T)=LMG 23727(T)).

Sphingobacterium composti sp. nov., isolated from cotton-waste composts

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, short rod-shaped, non-motile bacterial strain designated 4M24Twas isolated from cotton-waste compost. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain 4M24Trevealed that it is a member of the genusSphingobacterium, sharing 88.5–94.5 % sequence similarity with type strains of the genusSphingobacteriumand being most closely related toSphingobacterium daejeonenseTR6-04T(94.5 % sequence similarity) andSphingobacterium mizutaiiATCC 33299T(92.2 % similarity). The major fatty acids of strain 4M24Tgrown on trypticase soy agar medium were summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 02-OH and/or C16 : 1ω7c; 37.5 %), iso-C15 : 0(29.5 %) and iso-C17 : 03-OH (19.7 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 42.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain 4M24Trepresents a novel species of the genusSphingobacterium, for which the nameSphingobacterium compostisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 4M24T(=KACC 11313T=DSM 18850T).

Pedobacter suwonensis sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris)

A mesophilic bacterium, strain 15-52T, was isolated from the rhizosphere of Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris). On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the bacterium was identified as representing a novel species belonging to the genus Pedobacter. The strain is non-flagellated, non-spore-forming and grows at temperatures in the range 1–37 °C. Physiological tests of the strain showed the presence of oxidase, catalase, protease (gelatin and casein hydrolysis), β-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities. The highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found with respect to Pedobacter roseus CL-GP80T (97.3 %) and Pedobacter sandarakinus DS-27T (97.2 %). A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data indicated that strain 15-52T is a member of the genus Pedobacter. DNA–DNA hybridization analysis revealed low levels of relatedness (<42.3 %) between the isolate and two phylogenetically related type strains, P. roseus KCCM 42272T and P. sandarakinus KCTC 12559T. The DNA G+C content is 44.2 mol% and the predominant fatty acids are iso-C15 : 0 (35.4 %), iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c (27.8 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (15.8 %). On the basis of these data, strain 15-52T represents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter suwonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15-52T (=KACC 11317T=DSM 18130T).

Sphingobacterium daejeonense sp. nov., isolated from a compost sample

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated TR6-04T, was isolated from compost and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 6.5–7.0. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests but negative for gelatinase, indole and H2S production. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain TR6-04T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Sphingobacterium species and clustered with Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299T (96.7 % sequence similarity); the similarity to sequences of other species within the family Sphingobacteriaceae was less than 92.0 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.7 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c). These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain TR6-04T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, on the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain TR6-04T (=KCTC 12579T=LMG 23402T=CCUG 52468T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium daejeonense sp. nov. is proposed.

Pedobacter sandarakinus sp. nov., isolated from soil

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated DS-27T, was isolated from a soil sample, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C and in the presence of 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain DS-27T contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain DS-27T is most closely related to the genus Pedobacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceae. Similarity values between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain DS-27T and the type strains of recognized Pedobacter species ranged from 90.6 to 95.5 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, were sufficient to categorize strain DS-27T as representing a species that is separate from recognized Pedobacter species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain DS-27T (=KCTC 12559T=CIP 108922T) was classified in the genus Pedobacter as a member of a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter sandarakinus sp. nov. is proposed.

[Isolation, identification of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol-degrading strain and its degradation characteristics]

A bacterial strain that degrades 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2) was isolated from activated sludge of wastewater treatment plant treating wastewater from pharmacy factory mainly producing contraceptive medicine in Beijing, China. Based on its morphology, physiological and biochemical characters, as well as 16S rDNA sequence analysis, this strain was identified as Sphingobacterium sp. JCR5. Strain JCR5 can use EE2 as sole carbon and energy source for growth. The optimal temperature and pH for strain JCR5 utilizing EE2 was 25 approximately 40 degrees C and 7 approximately 9, respectively. Metal ions such as Ni2+, Mn2+, Cu2+ and Fe3+ promote growth of strain JCR5, and some metal ions such as Zn2+, Ag+, Pb2+, Ca2+ and Al3+ inhibit its growth. The degradation process for EE2 with initial concentration of 30mg x L(-1) indicated that the degradation rate of EE2 by strain JCR5 within 10 days was 87%.

Microbial production of optically active β-phenylalanine ethyl ester through stereoselective hydrolysis of racemic β-phenylalanine ethyl ester

The ability to produce (R)- or (S)-beta-phenylalanine ethyl ester (3-amino-3-phenylpropionic acid ethyl ester, BPAE) from racemic BPAE through stereoselective hydrolysis was screened for in BPAE-assimilating microorganisms. Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5 and Arthrobacter sp. 219D2 were found to be potential catalysts for (R)- and (S)-BPAE production, respectively. On a 24-h reaction, with 2.5% (w/v) racemic BPAE (130 mM) as the substrate and wet cells of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5 as the catalyst, 1.15% (w/v) (R)-BPAE (60 mM) with enantiomeric purity of 99% e.e. was obtained, the molar yield as to racemic BPAE being 46%. On a 48-h reaction, with 2.5% (w/v) racemic BPAE (130 mM) as the substrate and wet cells of Arthrobacter sp. 219D2 as the catalyst, 0.87% (w/v) (S)-BPAE (45 mM) with enantiomeric purity of 99% e.e. was obtained, the molar yield as to racemic BPAE being 35%. The enzyme stereoselectively hydrolyzing (S)-BPAE was purified to homogeneity from the cell-free extract of Sphingobacterium sp. 238C5. The enzyme was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of about 42,000. The enzyme catalyzed hydrolysis of beta-phenylalanine esters, while the common aliphatic and aromatic carboxylate esters were not catalyzed.

Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) caused by Sphingobacterium spiritivorum from the water reservoir of a steam iron

A case of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) caused by Sphingobacterium spiritivorum is described. The symptoms were associated with the use of a steam iron. The water reservoir was heavily contaminated with S. spiritivorum (10(6) CFU ml(-1)). This is the first report of S. spiritivorum as a causative agent of EAA.

[Production of a novel heparinase from Sphingobacterium sp]

The novel heparinase-producing bacterial strain Sphingobacterium sp. was isolated and screened from soil. The optimum medium composition is (g/L): Soytone 20, NaCl 1, K2HPO4 2.5, MgSO4 0.5, Heparin 2, Sucrose 15, pH 7.5. The optimum temperature for growth and enzyme production was 32 degrees C. When cultured at a rotating shaker at 30 degrees C for 36 hours, 200 r/min, 50 mL medium in 500 mL flask, the production of heparinase reached 4000 U/L.