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Bacillus megaterium
[CAS# 68038-67-5]

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Identification
Classification Biochemical >> Inhibitor >> Microbiology
Name Bacillus megaterium
CAS Registry Number 68038-67-5
EC Number 614-242-5
up Discovory and Applicatios
Bacillus megaterium is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic, endospore-forming bacterium that was first identified in the late 19th century. The species name “megaterium” refers to its unusually large cell size compared to other Bacillus species. It is widely distributed in soil, seawater, and plant-associated environments. Its discovery can be traced back to early microbiological studies focused on soil bacteria, where it was noted for its large morphology and spore-forming ability. Subsequent isolation and characterization confirmed its non-pathogenic nature and its value in biotechnology and industrial microbiology.

Bacillus megaterium gained industrial importance due to its ability to synthesize and secrete large amounts of proteins and enzymes, which are often easier to purify due to the organism’s relatively low protease activity. It produces several useful enzymes including amylases, proteases, and glucose dehydrogenase. The latter is particularly significant in blood glucose testing kits, where it catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid, with simultaneous reduction of cofactors used for detection.

The bacterium is also a source of penicillin amidase, an enzyme used in the semi-synthetic production of β-lactam antibiotics. Unlike many other bacterial hosts, Bacillus megaterium has a high capacity for plasmid uptake and maintenance, which has led to its use as a host in genetic engineering. Expression vectors have been developed to exploit its secretion system and large cell volume, allowing it to be used for the production of recombinant proteins, including pharmaceutical enzymes and industrial biocatalysts.

Another notable application is in the production of vitamin B12. Certain strains of Bacillus megaterium are capable of synthesizing this complex molecule under aerobic conditions, making them a valuable alternative to traditional producers such as Propionibacterium and Pseudomonas species. B. megaterium has also been utilized in the biosynthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biodegradable plastic, showcasing its potential in sustainable materials.

In agriculture, Bacillus megaterium functions as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR). It contributes to phosphorus solubilization in the soil, enhancing nutrient availability to plants. It also produces phytohormones like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which support root development and overall plant growth. As such, it is incorporated into various biofertilizers to enhance crop productivity while reducing chemical fertilizer usage.

The safety profile of Bacillus megaterium is well established. It is classified as biosafety level 1 and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for multiple applications. Its spores provide durability and resilience in industrial fermentations, and it tolerates a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Its ease of cultivation and scalability has made it an attractive chassis for synthetic biology applications.

Continued research focuses on expanding the genetic tools available for Bacillus megaterium to improve recombinant protein yields and develop metabolic pathways for novel biosynthetic applications. Given its versatility and biosafety, it remains a prominent organism in microbial biotechnology.

References

Vary PS, Biedendieck R, Fuerch T, Meinhardt F, Rohde M, Deckwer WD, Jahn D (2007) Bacillus megaterium—from simple soil bacterium to industrial protein production host. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 76(5):957–967 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-007-1089-3
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