Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Geobacillus”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Identification of extracellular enzyme producing thermophilic bacilli from Balcova (Agamemnon) geothermal site by ITS rDNA RFLP.

AIMS: Molecular characterization of extracellular enzyme producing thermophilic bacilli from Balcova geothermal site. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three types of geothermal samples were collected: mud, re-injection water, and samples from uncontrolled hydrothermal vents. Isolates grown at 55 degrees C in culture media prepared in sterilized re-injection water, were screened for extracellular enzyme activity by using eight different substrates: casein, carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, polygalacturonic acid (PGA), soluble starch, Tween 20 and 80, and xylan. In total, 109 thermoaerophilic isolates were selected. All of the isolates could hydrolyse Tween 20 (100%) but not Tween 80. Soluble starch was hydrolysed by 96%, casein by 55%, xylan and carboxymethylcellulose by 9%, and pectin and PGA by 2% of the isolates. The isolates were grouped into 14 different homology groups by the restriction pattern analysis of 16S-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA RFLP. Each of the RFLP groups was also studied by 16S rRNA gene partial sequence analysis. Plasmid DNA profiles revealed that 15 of the isolated strains contained small plasmid DNA molecules ranging in size from 12 000 to 35 000 bp. CONCLUSIONS: Combined analysis of 16S-ITS rDNA RFLP and 16S rRNA gene partial sequence results indicated the presence of novel or existing species of Anoxybacillus (nine species) and Geobacillus (three species). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study 16S-ITS rDNA RFLP was applied for the first time to differentiate thermophilic bacilli. It was also the first study on thermophilic bacilli of Balcova geothermal site.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2004

Description of heterotrophic bacteria occurring in paper mills and paper products.

AIMS: To isolate aerobic mesophilic bacilli and thermophilic bacteria from different paper mill samples and to evaluate their potential harmfulness. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 109 mesophilic and 68 thermophilic isolates were purified and characterized by automated ribotyping and partial 16S rDNA sequencing. The mesophilic isolates belonged to the genera Bacillus (13 taxa), Brevibacillus (three taxa) and Paenibacillus (five taxa). The thermophilic bacteria represented seven taxa of Bacillus, Geobacillus or Paenibacillus, four of proteobacteria and one of actinobacteria. The most frequently occurring bacteria were Bacillus cereus, B. licheniformis, Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis and bacteria closely related to Paenibacillus stellifer, P. turicensis or Leptothrix sp. One mill was contaminated throughout with bacteria of a novel mesophilic genus most closely related to Brevibacillus centrosporus and another with bacteria of a novel thermophilic genus most closely related to Hydrogenophilus thermoluteolus. One B. cereus isolate producing haemolytic diarrhoeal enterotoxin was detected and all the tested B. licheniformis isolates produced a metabolite toxic to boar sperm cells. CONCLUSIONS: The bacilli and thermophilic bacteria isolated represent species which should not present occupational hazards in paper mill environments. The most harmful bacterium detected was B. licheniformis and potentially also B. cereus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Knowledge of the microbial diversity in a paper mill provides a rational basis for development of an effective controlling programme. A database constructed from the fingerprints generated using automated ribotyping helps to identify and trace the contamination routes of bacteria occurring in paper mills.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2006

Bacillus sporothermodurans and other highly heat-resistant spore formers in milk.

A recent example of a micro-organism causing undesired growth in consumer milk is Bacillus sporothermodurans producing highly heat-resistant spores (HRS) which may survive ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment or industrial sterilization. Molecular typing showed a heterogeneous group of farm isolates (non-HRS strains), but a clonal group of UHT isolates from diverse European countries and other continents (HRS-clone) suggesting a common source. During a survey of Belgian dairy farms for the presence of potentially highly heat-resistant spore formers, high numbers of these spores were detected in filter cloth, green crop and fodder samples. The strain collection showed a high taxonomic diversity with 18 potentially new species and with Bacillus licheniformis and Geobacillus pallidus as predominating species overall. Seventeen B. sporothermodurans isolates were identified, mainly originating from feed concentrate. Heat resistance studies showed the UHT resistance of B. sporothermodurans spores present in industrially contaminated UHT milk, but a lower heat resistance of laboratory-grown strains (HRS and non-HRS). Hydrogen peroxide, used as sanitizer in the dairy industry, was found to induce higher heat resistance of laboratory-grown B. sporothermodurans strains to a certain level. This indicates that sublethal stress conditions may affect the heat resistance. By transmission electron microscopy, structural differences at the spore level were found between HRS and non-HRS strains. The data indicate that the attainment of extreme heat resistance is rather multifactorial.

Aerobiosis↗
PubMed2005

The three S-layer-like homology motifs of the S-layer protein SbpA of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 are not sufficient for binding to the pyruvylated secondary cell wall polymer.

The S-layer protein SbpA of Bacillus sphaericus CCM 2177 recognizes a pyruvylated secondary cell wall polymer (SCWP) as anchoring structure to the peptidoglycan-containing layer. Data analysis from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy revealed the existence of three different binding sites with high, medium and low affinity for rSbpA on SCWP immobilized to the sensor chip. The shortest C-terminal truncation with specific affinity to SCWP was rSbpA(31-318). Surprisingly, rSbpA(31-202) comprising the three S-layer-like homology (SLH) motifs did not bind at all. Analysis of the SbpA sequence revealed a 58-amino-acid-long SLH-like motif starting 11 amino acids after the third SLH motif. The importance of this motif for reconstituting the functional SCWP-binding domain was further demonstrated by construction of a chimaeric protein consisting of the SLH domain of SbsB, the S-layer protein of Geobacillus stearothermophilus PV72/p2 and the C-terminal part of SbpA. In contrast to SbsB or its SLH domain which did not recognize SCWP of B. sphaericus CCM 2177 as binding site, the chimaeric protein showed specific affinity. Deletion of 213 C-terminal amino acids of SbpA had no impact on the square (p4) lattice structure, whereas deletion of 350 amino acids was linked to a change in lattice type from square to oblique (p1).

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Destruction of spores on building decontamination residue in a commercial autoclave.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted an experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial autoclave for treating simulated building decontamination residue (BDR). The BDR was intended to simulate porous materials removed from a building deliberately contaminated with biological agents such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) in a terrorist attack. The purpose of the tests was to assess whether the standard operating procedure for a commercial autoclave provided sufficiently robust conditions to adequately destroy bacterial spores bound to the BDR. In this study we investigated the effects of several variables related to autoclaving BDR, including time, temperature, pressure, item type, moisture content, packing density, packing orientation, autoclave bag integrity, and autoclave process sequence. The test team created simulated BDR from wallboard, ceiling tiles, carpet, and upholstered furniture, and embedded in the BDR were Geobacillus stearothermophilus biological indicator (BI) strips containing 10(6) spores and thermocouples to obtain time and temperature profile data associated with each BI strip. The results indicated that a single standard autoclave cycle did not effectively decontaminate the BDR. Autoclave cycles consisting of 120 min at 31.5 lb/in2 and 275 degrees F and 75 min at 45 lb/in2 and 292 degrees F effectively decontaminated the BDR material. Two sequential standard autoclave cycles consisting of 40 min at 31.5 lb/in2 and 275 degrees F proved to be particularly effective, probably because the second cycle's evacuation step pulled the condensed water out of the pores of the materials, allowing better steam penetration. The results also indicated that the packing density and material type of the BDR in the autoclave could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the decontamination process.

Bacillaceae↗
PubMed2003

Distribution of microorganisms in the subsurface of the manus basin hydrothermal vent field in Papua New Guinea.

The distribution of microorganisms in the subsurfaces of hydrothermal vents was investigated by using subvent rock core samples. Microbial cells and ATP were detected from cores taken at depths of less than 99.4 and 44.8 m below the seafloor (mbsf), respectively. Cores from various depths were incubated anaerobically with a heterotrophic medium. Growth at 60 and 90 degrees C was ascribed to a Geobacillus sp. in the 448.6- to 99.4-mbsf cores and a Deinococcus sp. in the 64.8- to 128.9-mbsf cores, respectively, based on the 16S ribosomal DNA analysis.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed2003

Radioisotopic, culture-based, and oligonucleotide microchip analyses of thermophilic microbial communities in a continental high-temperature petroleum reservoir.

Activity measurements by radioisotopic methods and cultural and molecular approaches were used in parallel to investigate the microbial biodiversity and its physiological potential in formation waters of the Samotlor high-temperature oil reservoir (Western Siberia, Russia). Sulfate reduction with rates not exceeding 20 nmol of H(2)S liter(-1) day(-1) occurred at 60 and 80 degrees C. In upper horizons (AB, A, and B), methanogenesis (lithotrophic and/or acetoclastic) was detected only in wells in which sulfate reduction did not occur. In some of the wells from deeper (J) horizons, high-temperature sulfate reduction and methanogenesis occurred simultaneously, the rate of lithotrophic methanogenesis exceeding 80 nmol of CH(4) liter(-1) day(-1). Enrichment cultures indicated the presence of diverse physiological groups representing aerobic and anaerobic thermophiles and hyperthermophiles; fermentative organotrophs were predominant. Phylogenetic analyses of 15 isolates identified representatives of the genera Thermotoga, Thermoanaerobacter, Geobacillus, Petrotoga, Thermosipho, and Thermococcus, the latter four being represented by new species. Except for Thermosipho, the isolates were members of genera recovered earlier from similar habitats. DNA obtained from three samples was hybridized with a set of oligonucleotide probes targeting selected microbial groups encompassing key genera of thermophilic bacteria and archaea. Oligonucleotide microchip analyses confirmed the cultural data but also revealed the presence of several groups of microorganisms that escaped cultivation, among them representatives of the Aquificales/Desulfurobacterium-Thermovibrio cluster and of the genera Desulfurococcus and Thermus, up to now unknown in this habitat. The unexpected presence of these organisms suggests that their distribution may be much wider than suspected.

Archaea↗
PubMed2003

Nature of polymorphisms in 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer fingerprinting of Bacillus and related genera.

The intergenic transcribed spacers (ITS) between the 16S and 23S rRNA genetic loci are frequently used in PCR fingerprinting to discriminate bacterial strains at the species and intraspecies levels. We investigated the molecular nature of polymorphisms in ITS-PCR fingerprinting of low-G+C-content spore-forming bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Geobacillus, and Paenibacillus: We found that besides the polymorphisms in the homoduplex fragments amplified by PCR, heteroduplex products formed during PCR between amplicons from different ribosomal operons, with or without tRNA genes in the ITS, contribute to the interstrain variability in ITS-PCR fingerprinting patterns obtained in polyacrylamide-based gel matrices. The heteroduplex nature of the discriminating bands was demonstrated by fragment separation in denaturing polyacrylamide gels, by capillary electrophoresis, and by cloning, sequencing, and recombination of purified short and tRNA gene-containing long ITS. We also found that heteroduplex product formation is enhanced by increasing the number of PCR cycles. Homoduplex-heteroduplex polymorphisms (HHP) in a conserved region, such as the 16S and 23S rRNA gene ITS, allowed discrimination of closely related strains and species undistinguishable by other methods, indicating that ITS-HHP analysis is an easy and reproducible additional tool for strain typing.

Bacillus↗
PubMed2004

Isolation, characterization, and identification of bacterial contaminants in semifinal gelatin extracts.

Bacterial contamination of gelatin is of great concern. Indeed, this animal colloid has many industrial applications, mainly in food and pharmaceutical products. In a previous study (E. De Clerck and P. De Vos, Syst. Appl. Microbiol. 25:611-618), contamination of a gelatin production process with a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was demonstrated. In this study, bacterial contamination of semifinal gelatin extracts from several production plants was examined. Since these extracts are subjected to harsh conditions during production and a final ultrahigh-temperature treatment, the bacterial load at this stage is expected to be greatly reduced. In total, 1,129 isolates were obtained from a total of 73 gelatin batches originating from six different production plants. Each of these batches was suspected of having bacterial contamination based on quality control testing at the production plant from which it originated. For characterization and identification of the 1,129 bacterial isolates, repetitive-element PCR was used to obtain manageable groups. Representative strains were identified by means of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, species-specific gyrB PCR, and gyrA and rpoB sequencing and were tested for gelatinase activity. The majority of isolates belonged to members of Bacillus or related endospore-forming genera. Representative strains were identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus fumarioli, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus gelatini, Bacillus thermoamylovorans, Anoxybacillus contaminans, Anoxybacillus flavithermus, Brevibacillus agri, Brevibacillus borstelensis, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus. The majority of these species include strains exhibiting gelatinase activity. Moreover, some of these species have known pathogenic properties. These findings are of great concern with regard to the safety and quality of gelatin and its applications.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Characterization of a thermoacidophilic L-arabinose isomerase from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius: role of Lys-269 in pH optimum.

The araA gene encoding L-arabinose isomerase (AI) from the thermoacidophilic bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. Analysis of the sequence revealed that the open reading frame of the araA gene consists of 1,491 bp that encodes a protein of 497 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 56,043 Da. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of A. acidocaldarius AI (AAAI) with other AIs demonstrated that AAAI has 97% and 66% identities (99% and 83% similarities) to Geobacillus stearothermophilus AI (GSAI) and Bacillus halodurans AI (BHAI), respectively. The recombinant AAAI was purified to homogeneity by heat treatment, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration. The purified enzyme showed maximal activity at pH 6.0 to 6.5 and 65 degrees C under the assay conditions used, and it required divalent cations such as Mn2+, Co2+, and Mg2+ for its activity. The isoelectric point (pI) of the enzyme was about 5.0 (calculated pI of 5.5). The apparent Km values of the recombinant AAAI for L-arabinose and D-galactose were 48.0 mM (Vmax, 35.5 U/mg) and 129 mM (Vmax, 7.5 U/mg), respectively, at pH 6 and 65 degrees C. Interestingly, although the biochemical properties of AAAI are quite similar to those of GSAI and BHAI, the three AIs from A. acidocaldarius (pH 6), G. stearothermophilus (pH 7), and B. halodurans (pH 8) exhibited different pH activity profiles. Based on alignment of the amino acid sequences of these homologous AIs, we propose that the Lys-269 residue of AAAI may be responsible for the ability of the enzyme to act at low pH. To verify the role of Lys-269, we prepared the mutants AAAI-K269E and BHAI-E268K by site-directed mutagenesis and compared their kinetic parameters with those of wild-type AIs at various pHs. The pH optima of both AAAI-K269E and BHAI-E268K were rendered by 1.0 units (pH 6 to 7 and 8 to 7, respectively) compared to the wild-type enzymes. In addition, the catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of each mutant at different pHs was significantly affected by an increase or decrease in Vmax. From these results, we propose that the position corresponding to the Lys-269 residue of AAAI could play an important role in the determination of the pH optima of homologous AIs.

Aldose-Ketose Isomerases↗
PubMed2004

A novel p-nitrophenol degradation gene cluster from a gram-positive bacterium, Rhodococcus opacus SAO101.

p-Nitrophenol (4-NP) is recognized as an environmental contaminant; it is used primarily for manufacturing medicines and pesticides. To date, several 4-NP-degrading bacteria have been isolated; however, the genetic information remains very limited. In this study, a novel 4-NP degradation gene cluster from a gram-positive bacterium, Rhodococcus opacus SAO101, was identified and characterized. The deduced amino acid sequences of npcB, npcA, and npcC showed identity with phenol 2-hydroxylase component B (reductase, PheA2) of Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius A7 (32%), with 2,4,6-trichlorophenol monooxygenase (TcpA) of Ralstonia eutropha JMP134 (44%), and with hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase (ORF2) of Arthrobacter sp. strain BA-5-17 (76%), respectively. The npcB, npcA, and npcC genes were cloned into pET-17b to construct the respective expression vectors pETnpcB, pETnpcA, and pETnpcC. Conversion of 4-NP was observed when a mixture of crude cell extracts of Escherichia coli containing pETnpcB and pETnpcA was used in the experiment. The mixture converted 4-NP to hydroxyquinol and also converted 4-nitrocatechol (4-NCA) to hydroxyquinol. Furthermore, the crude cell extract of E. coli containing pETnpcC converted hydroxyquinol to maleylacetate. These results suggested that npcB and npcA encode the two-component 4-NP/4-NCA monooxygenase and that npcC encodes hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase. The npcA and npcC mutant strains, SDA1 and SDC1, completely lost the ability to grow on 4-NP as the sole carbon source. These results clearly indicated that the cloned npc genes play an essential role in 4-NP mineralization in R. opacus SAO101.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2006

Use of hydrogen peroxide vapor for deactivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a biological safety cabinet and a room.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important human pathogen that is routinely cultured in clinical and research laboratories. M. tuberculosis can contaminate surfaces and is highly resistant to disinfection. We investigated whether hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) is effective for the deactivation of M. tuberculosis on experimentally contaminated surfaces in a biological safety cabinet (BSC) and a room. Biological indicators (BIs) consisting of an approximately 3-log(10) inoculum of M. tuberculosis on stainless steel discs and a 6-log(10) inoculum of Geobacillus stearothermophilus were exposed to HPV in BSC time course experiments and at 10 locations during room experiments. In three separate BSC experiments, M. tuberculosis BIs were transferred to growth media at 15-min intervals during a 180-min HPV exposure period. No M. tuberculosis BIs grew following 30 min of HPV exposure. In three separate room experiments, M. tuberculosis and G. stearothermophilus BIs were exposed to HPV for 90, 120, and 150 min, respectively. BIs for both microorganisms were deactivated in all 10 locations following 90 min of HPV exposure. HPV provides an alternative to traditional decontamination methods, such as formaldehyde fumigation, for laboratories and other areas contaminated with M. tuberculosis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Expression and cytosolic assembly of the S-layer fusion protein mSbsC-EGFP in eukaryotic cells.

BACKGROUND: Native as well as recombinant bacterial cell surface layer (S-layer) protein of Geobacillus (G.) stearothermophilus ATCC 12980 assembles to supramolecular structures with an oblique symmetry. Upon expression in E. coli, S-layer self assembly products are formed in the cytosol. We tested the expression and assembly of a fusion protein, consisting of the mature part (aa 31-1099) of the S-layer protein and EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein), in eukaryotic host cells, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human HeLa cells. RESULTS: Upon expression in E. coli the recombinant mSbsC-EGFP fusion protein was recovered from the insoluble fraction. After denaturation by Guanidine (Gua)-HCl treatment and subsequent dialysis the fusion protein assembled in solution and yielded green fluorescent cylindric structures with regular symmetry comparable to that of the authentic SbsC. For expression in the eukaryotic host Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae mSbsC-EGFP was cloned in a multi-copy expression vector bearing the strong constitutive GPD1 (glyceraldehyde-3-phosophate-dehydrogenase) promoter. The respective yeast transfomants were only slightly impaired in growth and exhibited a needle-like green fluorescent pattern. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the presence of closely packed cylindrical structures in the cytosol with regular symmetry comparable to those obtained after in vitro recrystallization. Similar structures are observed in HeLa cells expressing mSbsC-EGFP from the Cytomegalovirus (CMV IE) promoter. CONCLUSION: The mSbsC-EGFP fusion protein is stably expressed both in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and in HeLa cells. Recombinant mSbsC-EGFP combines properties of both fusion partners: it assembles both in vitro and in vivo to cylindrical structures that show an intensive green fluorescence. Fusion of proteins to S-layer proteins may be a useful tool for high level expression in yeast and HeLa cells of otherwise instable proteins in their native conformation. In addition the self assembly properties of the fusion proteins allow their simple purification. Moreover the binding properties of the S-layer part can be used to immobilize the fusion proteins to various surfaces. Arrays of highly ordered and densely structured proteins either immobilized on surfaces or within living cells may be advantageous over the respective soluble variants with respect to stability and their potential interference with cellular metabolism.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Cloning, sequencing, and expression of the gene encoding the Clostridium stercorarium alpha-galactosidase Aga36A in Escherichia coli.

The alpha-galactosidase gene aga36A of Clostridium stercorarium F-9 was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. The aga36A gene consists of 2,208 nucleotides encoding a protein of 736 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 84,786. Aga36A is an enzyme classified in family 36 of the glycoside hydrolases and showed sequence similarity with some enzymes of family 36 such as Geobacillus (formerly Bacillus) stearothermophilus GalA (57%) and AgaN (52%). The enzyme purified from a recombinant E. coli is optimally active at 70 degrees C and pH 6.0. The enzyme hydrolyzed raffinose and guar gum with specific activities of 3.0 U/mg and 0.46 U/mg for the respective substrates.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2006

Internal contamination of air-driven low-speed handpieces and attached prophy angles.

BACKGROUND: In an in vitro crossover study, the authors investigated whether the interior of low-speed handpiece/prophy-angle systems becomes contaminated during operation and submersion into Geobacillus stearothermophilus. METHODS: This study involved two types of handpieces attached to eight brands of prophy angles. The researchers operated angles attached to sterile handpieces for 60 seconds. They then analyzed the inside surfaces of the angle, nosecone and motor. They tested each prophy angle and handpiece 10 times. RESULTS: In the 160 tests of handpieces contaminated at the prophy cup end, the spores traveled into the motor gears 32 times (20 percent). In the other 160 tests in which the motor gears were contaminated, the test bacterium traveled through the prophy cup in 75 instances (47 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro data suggest that low-speed handpiece motors can become contaminated internally during use with prophy angles. Also, internal contaminants appear to have been released from the handpiece. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that low-speed hand-pieces can become contaminated internally during use. Unless low-speed handpieces are sterilized properly between patients, they may become cross-contaminated.

Cross-Over Studies↗
PubMed2026

Thermophilic bacteria of the Arabian Gulf and their emerging biotechnological applications: current insights and future prospects.

Thermophilic bacteria represent a powerful class of extremophiles whose ability to thrive at elevated temperatures makes them indispensable to modern biotechnology. The Arabian Gulf characterized by extreme heat, geothermal systems, hot springs, oil reservoirs, and hypersaline habitats hosts a rich yet understudied reservoir of these organisms. This review consolidates current insights into the diversity, ecological niches, and biotechnological relevance of thermophilic bacteria isolated from the region. Dominant genera such as Bacillus, Geobacillus, Thermus, Anoxybacillus, and Brevibacillus exhibit remarkable physiological and molecular strategies that enable survival under intense thermal, saline, and pH stress. Their capacity to produce thermostable enzymes, including proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, and DNA polymerases, positions them as high-value contributors to sectors spanning bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, and environmental remediation. Beyond enzyme production, emerging applications such as antimicrobial compound discovery, hydrocarbon bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable bioprocessing highlight the region's untapped biotechnological potential. However, systematic exploration remains limited, hindered by sparse isolation efforts, incomplete physiological profiling, and a lack of genomic and omics-driven studies. The review underscores the need for integrated approaches that merge classical microbiology with advanced molecular and systems-level tools. Collectively, thermophilic bacteria from the Arabian Gulf constitute a promising yet underutilized biological resource poised to drive sustainable industrial innovation and environmental solutions.

Arabian Gulf↗
PubMed2004

A novel approach to specific allergy treatment: the recombinant fusion protein of a bacterial cell surface (S-layer) protein and the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 (rSbsC-Bet v 1) combines reduced allergenicity with immunomodulating capacity.

Counterregulating the disease-eliciting Th2-like immune response of allergen-specific Th lymphocytes by fostering an allergen-specific Th1-like response is a promising concept for future immunotherapy of type I allergy. The use of recombinant allergens combined with more functional adjuvants has been proposed. In this respect, we present a novel approach. The gene sequence encoding the major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1, was fused with the gene encoding the bacterial cell surface (S-layer) protein of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, resulting in the recombinant protein, rSbsC-Bet v 1. rSbsC-Bet v 1 contained all relevant Bet v 1-specific B and T cell epitopes, but was significantly less efficient to release histamine than rBet v 1. In cells of birch pollen-allergic individuals, rSbsC-Bet v 1 induced IFN-gamma along with IL-10, but no Th2-like response, as observed after stimulation with Bet v 1. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that rSbsC-Bet v 1 promoted IFN-gamma-producing Th cells. Moreover, rSbsC-Bet v 1 induced IFN-gamma synthesis in Bet v 1-specific Th2 cell clones, and importantly, increased IL-10 production in these cells. In conclusion, genetic fusion of an allergen to S-layer proteins combined reduced allergenicity with immunomodulatory capacity. The strategy described in this work may be generally applied to design vaccines for specific immunotherapy of type I allergy with improved efficacy and safety.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Genetic polymorphism by RAPD-PCR and phenotypic characteristics of isolated thermotolerant Bacillus strains from hot spring sources.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay, morphological, physiological, biochemical and antimicrobial susceptibility test methods have been evaluated for use in the taxonomy of isolated thermotolerant Bacillus from Jordanian hot springs, with specific reference to strains Geobacillus stearothermophilus (ATCC 12980), Bacillus circulans (ATCC 4513) and Bacillus sphaericus (ATCC 14577). A RAPD assay has been optimized and is able to discriminate between numerous thermotolerant Bacillus strains. RAPD-PCR was found to give reproducible thermotolerant Bacillus strains classification of DNA fingerprints for 14 strains including 3 reference strains. A study of 14 isolates and 3 reference strains, analyzing 53 phenotypic characters, resulted in their allocation to five major clusters at 60% similarity. Whereas at 80% similarity, twelve taxonomically distinct groups were evident.

Bacillus↗