Bacillus subtilis
[CAS# 68038-70-0]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Inhibitor >> Microbiology
• Name: Bacillus subtilis
• CAS Registry Number: 68038-70-0
• EC Number: 614-244-6

Properties

• Density: 26-29 lb/cu ft g/mL (Expl.)
• Solubility: water: insoluble (Expl.)

Discovory and Applicatios

acillus subtilis is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacterium widely distributed in soil and vegetation. It serves as a model organism for laboratory research due to its genetic tractability, well-characterized physiology, and natural competence for transformation. B. subtilis also plays a vital role in industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and biomedicine due to its ability to produce a vast array of enzymes, antibiotics, and other bioactive compounds.

The species was first isolated in the 19th century, but its significance expanded in the mid-20th century with developments in molecular genetics. B. subtilis has a genome size of approximately 4.2 Mb and has been the subject of extensive genetic manipulation. It is often used to express heterologous proteins in industrial applications, benefiting from its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status and ability to secrete proteins directly into the medium.

B. subtilis is known for producing a wide range of extracellular enzymes including proteases, amylases, lipases, and cellulases, which are extensively used in the food, detergent, textile, and paper industries. Subtilisin, a serine protease, is among the most commercially important enzymes derived from this bacterium. Its thermostability and alkaline pH tolerance make it suitable for use in laundry detergents.

Apart from enzymes, B. subtilis also synthesizes antimicrobial compounds such as bacitracin, fengycin, surfactin, and iturin, which are active against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. Surfactin, in particular, is a powerful biosurfactant with applications in environmental remediation and pharmaceuticals due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

In agriculture, B. subtilis is utilized as a biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter. Its ability to colonize the rhizosphere and form biofilms allows it to protect plants from soil-borne pathogens. The bacterium induces systemic resistance in plants and enhances nutrient availability, contributing to sustainable farming practices.

Genetic engineering has further expanded the application of B. subtilis in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. Engineered strains have been developed to produce vitamins (such as riboflavin), amino acids (like glutamate), and biofuels. Additionally, its well-understood regulatory networks, such as the sporulation pathway and competence system, offer valuable insights into bacterial differentiation and adaptation.

Because B. subtilis does not produce endotoxins and lacks pathogenic potential, it has also found applications in probiotics for human and animal health. Its resilience in harsh gastrointestinal environments and immunomodulatory properties make it a promising candidate for maintaining gut microbiota balance.

The versatility of Bacillus subtilis, supported by decades of research, makes it a cornerstone of microbial biotechnology. Continued genomic and proteomic studies are likely to reveal even more industrial and clinical potentials, enhancing its role in environmentally friendly and cost-effective bioprocesses.

References


Schallmey M, Singh A, Ward OP (2004) Developments in the use of Bacillus species for industrial production. Canadian Journal of Microbiology 50 1 1–17 DOI: 10.1139/w03-076


van Dijl JM, Hecker M (2013) Bacillus subtilis: from soil bacterium to super-secreting cell factory. Microbial Cell Factories 12 1 3–13 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-12-3


Fan B, Blom J, Klenk H-P, Borriss R (2017) Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus siamensis form an “operational group B. amyloliquefaciens” within the B. subtilis species complex. Frontiers in Microbiology 8 22 1–15 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00022