Carotenoids present in halotolerantBacillusspore formers

Abstract

Six isolates of pigmented spore-forming bacteria were recovered from human faeces from subjects in Vietnam. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated close association with known pigmented Bacillus species. All isolates were able to tolerate growth on 8% NaCl and were resistant to arsenate, characteristics that make them most related to Bacillus indicus. Two visible pigments were apparent, a yellow pigment found in vegetative cells and an orange pigment found only in spores. We used high-performance liquid chromatography to characterize and quantify these pigments and found them to be carotenoids. The biosynthetic pathway that generates them branches with one that could lead to the spore-associated orange pigmentation. Although these bacteria were found in faeces, the seafood-rich diet of Vietnam and the recovery of other pigmented Bacillus species from seafood and marine environments makes it highly probable that the true origin of these bacteria is from ingested seafood.

Role and Function of LitR, an Adenosyl B 12 -Bound Light-Sensitive Regulator of Bacillus megaterium QM B1551, in Regulation of Carotenoid Production

“…The ability of Bacillus spp. to produce carotenoids has been reported previously (23)(24)(25)(26)(27); however, the correlation between carotenoid production and light has not been investigated in this genus. In our screen of lightresponsive bacteria (see Materials and Methods), the strains isolated from soil were identified as B. megaterium, B. sphaericus, and B. pumilus by 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analysis.…”

Stability of bacterial carotenoids in the presence of iron in a model of the gastric compartment – Comparison with dietary reference carotenoids

“…A wide range of coloured spore-forming Bacillus species has been isolated [11,42]. They synthesize various red, pink or yellow-orange carotenoids with original structures, which impart specific properties (e.g., solubility, stability) that differ from the more prevalent carotenoids found in fruit and vegetables.…”

The Gut Microbiota as Target for Innovative Drug Development: Perspectives and a Case Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

“…Recently, scientists at the Royal Holloway University of London have isolated carotenoid-producing spore-forming Bacillus spp.. These pigmented Bacillus species (yellow, pink, orange…) have been characterized and the pigments have been shown to be due to one or more carotenoids (Duc et al, 2006;Hong et al, 2009;Khaneja et al, 2010;Perez-Fons et al, 2011). More specifically, the presence of 1-HO-demethylspheroidene, ubiquinone and phytoene was identified in some strains by means of a combination of HPLC analysis and UV/VIS spectral data.…”

“…It is possible to increase their resistance by incorporating high doses of carotenoids into a food matrix in order to guarantee a recommended daily intake of about 800 mg.day -1 . However, this enrichment procedure is expensive and therefore limited (Duc et al, 2006). Recently, scientists at the Royal Holloway University of London have isolated carotenoid-producing spore-forming Bacillus spp..…”

“…These are key components that have a role in nutrition (Vitamin A), vision and its development (retinoic acid). Moreover, the antioxidant properties of carotenoids protect the cells from environmental stresses and are also able to prevent the onset of chronic disease states in mammals (Duc et al, 2006;Giovannucci, 2002;Mares-Perlman et al, 2002). In order to exert these beneficial effects in the GIT, ingested carotenoids must reach a concentration that is sufficient to act as a scavenger of oxygen radicals (Agarwal & Rao, 1998;Fuhrman et al, 1997;Witztum, 1994).…”