Halotolerant bacteria in the São Paulo Zoo composting process and their hydrolases and bioproducts

Halophilic microorganisms are able to grow in the presence of salt and are also excellent source of enzymes and biotechnological products, such as exopolysaccharides (EPSs) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Salt-tolerant bacteria were screened in the Organic Composting Production Unit (OCPU) of São Paulo Zoological Park Foundation, which processes 4 ton/day of organic residues including plant matter from the Atlantic Rain Forest, animal manure and carcasses and mud from water treatment. Among the screened microorganisms, eight halotolerant bacteria grew at NaCl concentrations up to 4 M. These cultures were classified based on phylogenetic characteristics and comparative partial 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Brevibacterium. The results of this study describe the ability of these halotolerant bacteria to produce some classes of hydrolases, namely, lipases, proteases, amylases and cellulases, and biopolymers. The strain characterized as of Brevibacterium avium presented cellulase and amylase activities up to 4 M NaCl and also produced EPSs and PHAs. These results indicate the biotechnological potential of certain microorganisms recovered from the composting process, including halotolerant species, which have the ability to produce enzymes and biopolymers, offering new perspectives for environmental and industrial applications.

The first reported catheter-related Brevibacterium casei bloodstream infection in a child with acute leukemia and review of the literature

Brevibacterium spp. are catalase-positive, non-spore-forming, non motile, aerobic Gram- positive rods that were considered apathogenic until a few reports of infections in immunocompromised patients had been published. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. casei catheter-related bloodstream infection in a child with acute leukemia. We aim to enhance the awareness of pediatric hematology and infectious disease specialists about this pathogen and review of the literature.

Antimycobacterial activity of a Brevibacillus Laterosporus strain isolated from a moroccan soil

The treatment of tuberculosis has become more difficult with the worldwide spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Moreover, the prevalence of human disease caused by atypical mycobacteria has also increased in the past two decades and has further complicated the problem of the treatment of mycobacterial infections. It is therefore urgent to develop new highly active molecules against these bacteria. The present study reports the isolation from a Moroccan soil of a Bacillus strain that exhibits an important antimycobacterial activity. The strain was identified as Brevibacillus laterosporus using DNA sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. The antimycobacterial activity was assigned to a substance with a protein nature. This nature was revealed using a liquid-liquid extraction with organic solvents, precipitation with ammonium sulfate and treatment with a protease. This study suggested the identification and the characterization of this active metabolite enabling therapeutic investigations further.

Medium optimization of protease production by Brevibacterium linens DSM 20158, using statistical approach

Various cultivation parameters were optimized for the production of extra cellular protease by Brevibacterium linens DSM 20158 grown in solid state fermentation conditions using statistical approach. The cultivation variables were screened by the Plackett-Burman design and four significant variables (soybean meal, wheat bran, (NH4)2SO4 and inoculum size were further optimized via central composite design (CCD) using a response surface methodological approach. Using the optimal factors (soybean meal 12.0g, wheat bran 8.50g, (NH4)2SO4) 0.45g and inoculum size 3.50%), the rate of protease production was found to be twofold higher in the optimized medium as compared to the unoptimized reference medium.

Some enzymatic properties of cholesterol oxidase produced by Brevibacterium sp

In this study we determined some properties of cholesterol oxidase from a "Brevibacterium" strain isolated from buffalo's milk and identified the cholesterol degradation products by bacterial cell. A small fraction of the enzyme synthesized by cells cultured in liquid medium for 7 days was released into the medium whereas a larger fraction remained boud to the cell membrane. The extraction of this fraction was efficiently accomplished in 1 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.7(per cent) Triton X-100. The enzyme stability under freezing and at 45ºC was imrproved by addition of 20(per cent) glycerol. The optimum tempereature and pH for the enzyme activity were 53ºC and 7.5, respectively. The only steroidal product from cholesterol oxidation by the microbial cell and by the crude extract of the membrane-bound enzyme was 4-colesten-3-one. Chromatographic analysis showed that minor no steroidal compounds as well as 4-colesten-3-one found in the enzyme in the buffer solution. Cholesterol oxidation by the membrane-bound enzyme was a first order reaction type