Bacillus Subtilis - Uses

Uses

B. subtilis has proven highly amenable to genetic manipulation, and has become widely adopted as a model organism for laboratory studies, especially of sporulation, which is a simplified example of cellular differentiation. It is also heavily flagellated, which gives B. subtilis the ability to move quickly in liquids. In terms of popularity as a laboratory model organism, B. subtilis is often used as the Gram-positive equivalent of Escherichia coli, an extensively studied Gram-negative bacterium.

Monsanto has isolated a gene from B. subtilis that expresses cold shock protein B (CSPB) and spliced it into their drought-tolerant corn hybrid MON 87460, which was approved for sale in the United States in November 2011.

Wild-type natural isolates of B. subtilis are difficult to work with compared to laboratory strains that have undergone domestication processes of mutagenesis and selection. These strains often have improved capabilities of transformation (uptake and integration of environmental DNA), growth, and loss of abilities needed "in the wild". And, while dozens of different strains fitting this description exist, the strain designated 168 is the most widely used.

As a model organism B. subtilis is commonly used in laboratory studies directed at discovering the fundamental properties and characteristics of Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria. In particular, the basic principles and mechanisms underlying formation of the durable endospore have been deduced from studies of spore formation in B. subtilis.

In addition to its role as a model organism, B. subtilis is used as a soil inoculant in horticulture and agriculture.

The high stability of B. subtilis in harsh environmental conditions makes this microorganism a perfect candidate for probiotics applications either in baked and pasteurized foods/beverages or in other galenic forms like tablets, capsules and powder. The strain Bacillus subtilis R0179 is well-documented for its probiotic benefices.

B. globigii, a closely related but phylogenetically distinct species now known as B. atrophaeus was used as a biowarfare simulant during Project SHAD (aka Project 112).. Subsequent genomic analysis showed that the strains used in those studies were products of deliberate enrichment for strains that exhibited abnormally high rates of sporulation.

Enzymes produced by B. subtilis and B. licheniformis are widely used as additives in laundry detergents.

Its other uses include:

• A strain of B. subtilis formerly known as Bacillus natto is used in the commercial production of the Japanese food natto, as well as the similar Korean food cheonggukjang.
• B. subtilis strain QST 713 (marketed as QST 713 or Serenade) has a natural fungicidal activity, and is employed as a biological control agent.
• It was popular worldwide before the introduction of consumer antibiotics as an immunostimulatory agent to aid treatment of gastrointestinal and urinary tract diseases. It is still widely used in Western Europe and the Middle East as an alternative medicine
• It can convert some explosives into harmless compounds of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water.
• Its surface binding properties play a role in safe radionuclide waste disposal.
• Recombinant strains pBE2C1 and pBE2C1AB were used in production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and malt waste can be used as their carbon source for lower cost PHA production.
• It is used to produce amylase.
• It is used to produce hyaluronic acid, which is useful in the joint-care sector in healthcare.
• It may provide some benefit to saffron growers by speeding corm growth and increasing stigma biomass yield.