The most important bacillus species in biotechnology

Noura Raddadi, Elena Crotti, Eleonora Rolli, Ramona Marasco, Fabio Fava, Daniele Daffonchio*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aerobic spore forming Bacillus and related bacteria have been known for their important impact on human activities. By including bacteria characterized by a high diversity with regard to the G∈+∈C content and genetic and metabolic capabilities, Bacillus and relatives encompass both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. The second group is represented by several species that have been implicated in various industrial applications. These include industrial production of enzymes with great interest in detergent and food sectors; the production of primary metabolites such as vitamins and ribonucleosides; of secondary metabolites including bacteriocins and biosurfactants and of plant growth promoting formulations. Moreover, recent studies have shown that the aerobic spore formers can produce fine chemicals with interesting biotechnological applications like for example carotenoid pigments and a variety of biopolymers including poly-g-glutamic and lactic acids. These findings open perspectives for new biotechnological applications of Bacillus and related species. In this chapter, we discuss the evolution and ecology of spore formers within the genus Bacillus and report a literature review of the various biotechnological applications of the most important species including some now affiliated to related genera.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBacillus thuringiensis Biotechnology
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages329-345
Number of pages17
Volume9789400730212
ISBN (Electronic)9789400730212
ISBN (Print)9400730209, 9789400730205
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bacillus biotechnology
  • Bacillus enzymes
  • Biopolymers
  • Plant growth promoting inoculants
  • Secondary metabolites

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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