Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi sp. nov., a halotolerant obligate alkaliphile isolated from the skin of a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and emended description of the genus Oceanobacillus

Oceanobacillus picturae alleviates cadmium stress and promotes growth in soybean seedlings

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that significantly impacts human health and the environment. Microorganisms play a crucial role in reducing heavy metal stress in plants; however, the mechanisms by which microorganisms enhance plant tolerance to Cd stress and the interplay between plants and microorganisms under such stress remain unclear. In this study, Oceanobacillus picturae (O. picturae) was isolated for interaction with soybean seedlings under Cd stress. Results indicated that Cd treatment alone markedly inhibited soybean seedling growth. Conversely, inoculation with O. picturae significantly improved growth indices such as plant height, root length, and fresh weight, while also promoting recovery in soil physiological indicators and pH. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified 157 genes related to aspartic acid, cysteine, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Sixty-three microbial species were significantly associated with metabolites in these pathways, including pathogenic, adversity-resistant, and bioconductive bacteria. This research experimentally demonstrates, for the first time, the growth-promoting effect of the O. picturae strain on soybean seedlings under non-stress conditions. It also highlights its role in enhancing root growth and reducing Cd accumulation in the roots under Cd stress. Additionally, through the utilization of untargeted metabolomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics for a multi-omics analysis, we investigated the impact of O. picturae on the soil microbiome and its correlation with differential gene expression in plants. This innovative approach unveils the molecular mechanisms underlying O. picturae's promotion of root growth and adaptation to Cd stress.

Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbial Properties of Extracts from Wine Lees Waste of Matelica’s Verdicchio and Their Applications in Novel Cosmetic Products

Wine lees are sediments deposited on the walls and bottom of barrels resulting from wine fermentation and mainly consist of yeasts. Saccharomyces cerevisiae extracts, rich in beneficial components for the skin, have already been used in cosmesis, while wine lees have not been well exploited by the cosmetics industry yet. The aim of this work was the full characterization of the wine lees from Verdicchio’s wine, with the aim to exploit it as a beneficial ingredient in new cosmetic products. After mapping the microbial composition of the sample waste, the parameters for the sonication extraction process were optimized and the physicochemical properties of the extract were analyzed. The efficiency of the aqueous extraction—and in particular the yeast cell lysis necessary for the release of proteins from the cell—was assessed by evaluating cell shape and size, and protein release, under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Bradford’s protein assays. Thus, the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity of the supernatant recovered from native and sonicated lees were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu’s and spectrophotometric assays, respectively. To quantify the heavy metals and highlight the presence of microelements beneficial for the skin, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied. In vitro metabolic activity and cytotoxicity were tested on both HaCat keratinocytes and human gingival fibroblasts, showing that wine lees are safe for skin’s cells. The results show that sonicated lees appear to be more interesting than native ones as a consequence of the release of the active ingredients from the cells. Due to the high antioxidant capacity, content of beneficial elements for skin and an appropriate microbiologic profile, wine lees were included in five new solid cosmetic products and tested for challenge test, compatibility with human skin, sensory analysis, trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebometry.

The Quality and Bacterial Community Changes in Freshwater Crawfish Stored at 4 °C in Vacuum Packaging

Crawfish can be easily spoiled due to their rich nutrition and high water content, which is difficult to preserve. In this study, the dominant spoilage organisms in crawfish which were stored at 4 °C in vacuum packaging were identified by high-throughput sequencing technology; after sequencing the full-length 16S rRNA gene, the changes in the bacterial community structure, diversity and quality (texture, flavor, etc.) were analyzed. Our results reflected that the specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) of crawfish were Aeromonas sobria, Shewanella putrefaciens, Trichococcus pasteurii and Enterococcus aquimarinus, since their abundances significantly increased after being stored for 12 days at 4 °C under vacuum conditions. At the same time, the abundance and diversity of the microbial community decreased with storage time, which was related to the rapid growth of the dominant spoilage organisms and the inhibition of other kinds of microorganisms at the end of the spoilage stage. Function prediction results showed that the gene which contributed to metabolism influenced the spoilage process. Moreover, the decline in texture of crawfish was negatively correlated to the richness of SSOs; this may be because SSOs can produce alkaline proteases to degrade the myofibrillar protein. On the contrary, the unpleasant flavor of crawfish, resulting from volatile flavor compounds such as S-containing compounds and APEOs, etc., is negatively correlated to the richness of SSOs, due to the metabolism of SSOs by secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, polyketides and lips, which can lead to decarboxylation, deamination and enzymatic oxidation. These results are very important to achieve the purpose of targeted inhibition of crawfish spoilage at 4 °C in vacuum packaging.

Oceanobacillus saliphilus sp. nov., Isolated from Saline-Alkali Soil in Heilongjiang Province, China

A novel bacterium, designated strain APA_H-1(4)^T, was isolated from the saline-alkaline soil, Zhaodong, Heilongjiang Province, China. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, and whole-genome sequencing were used to determine the taxonomic position of the strain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Oceanobacillus, and showed the highest sequence similarity to O. damuensis KCTC 33146^T (98.35%, similarity) and 'O. massiliensis' DSM 24644 (98.32%). The average nucleotide identity values between strain APA_H-1(4)^T and other members of the genus Oceanobacillus were lower than 82% recommended for distinguishing novel prokaryotic species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain APA_H-1(4)^T with O. damuensis KCTC 33146^T and 'O. massiliensis' DSM 24644 were 13.60 and 17.60%, respectively. Cells of strain APA_H-1(4)^T were Gram-staining positive, motile, aerobic, spore-forming rods (0.5-0.7 × 1.8-2.6 μm) with flagella. The growth was found to occur optimally at 37 °C. The whole-cell hydrolysate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic cell wall diamino acid. The main detected polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acid (>10%) was anteiso-C_15:0. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was determined to be 38.4% based on the draft genome sequence. Based on the comparative analysis of polyphasic taxonomic data, strain APA_H-1(4)^T represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus saliphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is APA_H-1(4)^T (=GDMCC 1.2239^T = KCTC 43254^T).

Radiobacillus deserti gen. nov., sp. nov., a UV-resistant bacterium isolated from desert soil

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, endospore-forming and UV-resistant bacterial strain, designated strain TKL69^T, was isolated from sandy soil sampled in the Taklimakan Desert. The strain grew at 20-50 °C, pH 6-9 and with 0-12 % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C_15 : 0, iso-C_15 : 0 and C_16 : 0. The only respiratory quinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Diphosphatidyl glycerol, two unidentified aminophospholipids and one unidentified phospholipid were identified as the major polar lipids. Genomic DNA analysis revealed a G+C content of 38.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TKL69^T has the highest similarity to Salinibacillus xinjiangensis CGMCC 1.12331^T (96.9 %) but belongs to an independent taxon separated from other genera of the family Bacillaceae. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses suggested that strain TKL69^T represents a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Radiobacillus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain being Radiobacillus deserti TKL69^T (=JCM 33497^T=CICC 24779^T).

Smokeless Tobacco Products (STPs) Harbour Bacterial Populations with Potential for Oral Carcinogenicity

INTRODUCTION

Smokeless Tobacco Products (STPs) vary significantly in their carcinogenicity, a feature accredited to the variation in the concentrations of carcinogenic chemicals. Tobacco associated bacteria are known to produce Tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs) and hence are determinants of TSNA levels in Tobacco. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a microbiological survey of STPs and to provide a baseline information of the bacterial communities present in the STPs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study analyzed the constituency of microbial communities in 7 different smokeless Tobacco products including four chewable (T1_CW to T4_CW), two snus (T5_Snus and T6_Snus) and one snuff sample (T7_Snuff) using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA based next generation sequencing. The Tobacco samples were also analyzed for pH and moisture content. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was done using SPSS software version 20. Pearson's Correlation was done to analyze the correlation between pH and moisture content of the Tobacco samples.

RESULTS

A total of 11 phyla were identified in all smokeless Tobacco products. A total of 36 classes were identified across all smokeless Tobacco products and bacilli was the predominant class in all the products followed by Actinobacteria and Bacteroidia. In species level, a total of 2369 species were identified across all smokeless Tobacco products. In T1 chewable Tobacco products, predominant species was staphylococcus whereas in T2 and T3, Bacillus subtilis and pumilus were predominant. In T4 chewable Tobacco product, Virgibacillus was predominant followed by halodentrificans, staphylococcus epidermidis. In snus 1 and 2, Bacillus pumilus and subtilis were predominant. In snuff, Bacillus cereus was predominant. Snus products had the highest moisture content (15.4% and 14.3%) compared to the chewable Tobacco and snuff products. The snus products analyzed had alkaline values (pH 8.50 and 8.15) and snuff and chewable Tobacco had acidic values ranging from 5.62 to 6.09.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates that ST products differ qualitatively, quantitatively, and in their bacterial composition. There is a possibility that some of these species may contribute to oral carcinogenesis, either by influencing levels of TSNAs or directly inducing chronic inflammation.

Aeolian transport of viable microbial life across the Atacama Desert, Chile: Implications for Mars

Here we inspect whether microbial life may disperse using dust transported by wind in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, a well-known Mars analog model. By setting a simple experiment across the hyperarid core of the Atacama we found that a number of viable bacteria and fungi are in fact able to traverse the driest and most UV irradiated desert on Earth unscathed using wind-transported dust, particularly in the later afternoon hours. This finding suggests that microbial life on Mars, extant or past, may have similarly benefited from aeolian transport to move across the planet and find suitable habitats to thrive and evolve.

Description of 'Bacillus dakarensis' sp. nov., 'Bacillus sinesaloumensis' sp. nov., 'Gracilibacillus timonensis' sp. nov., 'Halobacillus massiliensis' sp. nov., 'Lentibacillus massiliensis' sp. nov., 'Oceanobacillus senegalensis' sp. nov., 'Oceanobacillus timonensis' sp. nov., 'Virgibacillus dakarensis' sp. nov. and 'Virgibacillus marseillensis' sp. nov., nine halophilic new species isolated from human stool

We report the main characteristics of 'Bacillus dakarensis' P3515^T sp. nov., 'Bacillus sinesaloumensis' P3516^T sp. nov., 'Gracilibacillus timonensis' P2481^T sp. nov., 'Halobacillus massiliensis' P3554^T sp. nov., 'Lentibacillus massiliensis' P3089^T sp. nov., 'Oceanobacillus senegalensis' P3587^T sp. nov., 'Oceanobacillus timonensis' P3532^T sp. nov., 'Virgibacillus dakarensis' P3469^T sp. nov. and 'Virgibacillus marseillensis' P3610^T sp. nov., that were isolated in 2016 from salty stool samples (≥1.7% NaCl) from healthy Senegalese living at Dielmo and N'diop, two villages in Senegal.

Microbial Culturomics to Map Halophilic Bacterium in Human Gut: Genome Sequence and Description of Oceanobacillus jeddahense sp. nov

Culturomics is a new omics subspecialty to map the microbial diversity of human gut, coupled with a taxono-genomic strategy. We report here the description of a new bacterial species using microbial culturomics: strain S5T, (= CSUR P1091=DSM 28586) isolated from a stool specimen of a 25-year-old obese patient from Saudi Arabia. The strain S5T was a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic rod, which was motile by a polar flagellum, spore-forming, and exhibited catalase and oxidase activities. It grows optimally at 37°C, with a pH of 7.5 and 10% of NaCl. 16S rRNA gene-based identification revealed that strain S5T has 98.6% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with the reference O. oncorhynchi, phylogenetically the closest validated Oceanobacillus species. Here, we further describe the phenotypic characteristics of this organism and its complete genome sequence and annotation. The 5,388,285 bp long genome exhibits a G+C content of 37.24% and contains 5109 protein-coding genes and 198 RNA genes. Based on the characteristics reported here, we propose classifying this novel bacterium as representative of a new species belonging to the genus Oceanobacillus, Oceanobacillus jeddahense sp. nov. In a broader context, it is noteworthy that halophilic bacteria have long been overlooked in the human gut, and their role in human health and disease has not yet been investigated. This study thus further underscores the usefulness of the culturomics approach exploring the bacterial diversity of the gut.

Bacterial Populations Associated with Smokeless Tobacco Products

There are an estimated 8 million users of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) in the United States, and yet limited data on microbial populations within these products exist. To better understand the potential microbiological risks associated with STP use, a study was conducted to provide a baseline microbiological profile of STPs. A total of 90 samples, representing 15 common STPs, were purchased in metropolitan areas in Little Rock, AR, and Washington, DC, in November 2012, March 2013, and July 2013. Bacterial populations were evaluated using culture, pyrosequencing, and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Moist-snuff products exhibited higher levels of bacteria (average of 1.05 × 10⁶ CFU/g STP) and diversity of bacterial populations than snus (average of 8.33 × 10¹ CFU/g STP) and some chewing tobacco products (average of 2.54 × 10⁵ CFU/g STP). The most common species identified by culturing were Bacillus pumilus, B. licheniformis, B. safensis, and B. subtilis, followed by members of the genera Oceanobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Tetragenococcus. Pyrosequencing analyses of the 16S rRNA genes identified the genera Tetragenococcus, Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus, Geobacillus, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus as the predominant taxa. Several species identified are of possible concern due to their potential to cause opportunistic infections and reported abilities to reduce nitrates to nitrites, which may be an important step in the formation of carcinogenic tobacco-specific N'-nitrosamines. This report provides a microbiological baseline to help fill knowledge gaps associated with microbiological risks of STPs and to inform potential regulations regarding manufacture and testing of STPs.

IMPORTANCE

It is estimated that there 8 million users of smokeless tobacco products (STPs) in the United States; however, there are limited data on microbial populations that exist within these products. The current study was undertaken to better understand the potential microbiological risks associated with STP use and provide a baseline microbiological profile of STPs. Several bacterial species were identified that are of possible concern due to their potential to cause opportunistic infections. In addition, some species have abilities to reduce nitrates to nitrites, which may be an important step in the formation of carcinogenic tobacco-specific N'-nitrosamines. Overall, this report provides a microbiological baseline to help fill knowledge gaps related to the microbiological risks of STPs and to inform potential regulations regarding the manufacture and testing of STPs.

Oceanobacillus endoradicis sp. nov., an endophytic bacterial species isolated from the root of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis

A bacterial strain, py1294(T), isolated from a root of Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis collected from Yunnan province, southwest China, was characterised by using a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain py1294(T) was found to be Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, peritrichous flagella and rod shaped. Growth was found to occur in the presence of 0-8 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1-3 %), at pH 6.5-9.5 (optimum 8.0) and at 10-42 °C (optimum 30 °C). The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0 and iso-C14:0. The predominant quinone was identified as MK-7 and a minor amount of MK-6 was detected. The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The cell wall peptidoglycan was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain py1294(T) forms a well-supported clade with Oceanobacillus damuensis PT-20(T) (97.9 % sequence similarity) within the genus Oceanobacillus, although it also shares a high sequence similarity with Ornithinibacillus contaminans (97.5 %). Crucially, the DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain py1294(T) and O. damuensis PT-20(T) was 29.7 ± 3.2 %. The G+C content was determined to be 42.3 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, a novel species Oceanobacillus endoradicis sp. nov. is proposed, with py1294(T) (=DSM 100726(T) = KCTC 33731(T)) as the type strain.

Noncontiguous finished genome sequence and description of Virgibacillus massiliensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from human gut

Strain Vm-5(T) was isolated from the stool specimen of a 10-year-old Amazonian boy. This bacterium is a Gram-positive, strictly aerobic rod, motile by a polar flagellum. Here we describe its phenotypic characteristics and complete genome sequence. The 4 353 177 bp long genome exhibits a G + C content of 36.87% and contains 4394 protein-coding and 125 predicted RNA genes. Phylogenetically and genetically, strain Vm-c is a member of the genus Virgibacillus but is distinct enough to be classified as a new species. We propose the creation of V. massiliensis sp. nov., whose type strain is strain Vm-5(T) (CSUR P971 = DSM 28587).

Genome sequence of Oceanobacillus picturae strain S1, an halophilic bacterium first isolated in human gut

Oceanobacillus picturae is a strain of a moderately halophilic bacterium, first isolated from a mural painting. We demonstrate, for the first time, the culture of human Oceanobacillus picturae, strain S1(T), whose genome is described here, from a stool sample collected from a 25-year-old Saoudian healthy individual. We used a slightly modified standard culture medium adding 100 g/L of NaCl. We provide a short description of this strain including its MALDI-TOF spectrum, the main identification tool currently used in clinical microbiology. The 3,675,175 bp long genome exhibits a G + C content of 39.15 % and contains 3666 protein-coding and 157 RNA genes. The draft genome sequence of Oceanobacillus picturae has a similar size to the Oceanobacillus kimchii (respectively 3.67 Mb versus 3.83 Mb). The G + C content was higher compared with Oceanobacillus kimchii (respectively 39.15 % and 35.2 %). Oceanobacillus picturae shared almost identical number of genes (3823 genes versus 3879 genes), with a similar ratio of genes per Mb (1041 genes/Mb versus 1012 genes/Mb). The genome sequencing of Oceanobacillus picturae strain S1 isolated for the first time in a human, will be added to the 778 genome projects from the gastrointestinal tract listed by the international consortium Human Microbiome Project.

Oceanobacillus arenosus sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from marine sand

A Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated CAU 1183T, was isolated from marine sand and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The bacterium grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 8.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CAU 1183T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Oceanobacillus and exhibited the highest similarity to Oceanobacillus chungangensis CAU 1051T (97.6 %). The strain contained MK-7 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and anteiso-C15 : 0 was the major cellular fatty acid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipid pattern of strain CAU 1183T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and unidentified lipids, including two phospholipids, two glycolipids, a phosphoglycolipid and two lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 37.5 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain CAU 1183T should be assigned to a novel species in the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus arenosus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1183T ( = KCTC 33037T = CECT 8560T).

Oceanobacillus bengalensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from seawater of the Bay of Bengal

A Gram-stain positive, motile, and subterminal endospore-forming rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain Ma-21(T), was isolated from seawater of the Bay of Bengal. Strain Ma-21(T) was found to grow optimally at 37 °C and pH 8.0 with 3% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain Ma-21(T) forms a distinct phylogenetic lineage close to Oceanobacillus chungangensis CAU 1051(T), Oceanobacillus caeni S-11(T), Oceanobacillus arenosus CAU 1183(T), Oceanobacillus halophilum GD01(T) and Ornithinibacillus heyuanensis GIESS003(T) in the family Bacillaceae. The cell wall of strain Ma-21(T) was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, which is in line with those of members of the genus Oceanobacillus. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 35.9 mol%. The only respiratory quinone detected was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C(15:0) and anteiso-C(17:0). The major polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. On the basis of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic properties, strain Ma-21(T) is suggested to represent a novel species in the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus bengalensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ma-21(T) (=CGMCC 1.12799(T) = KCTC 33416(T) = MCCC 1K00260(T)).

Evolution in the Bacillaceae

The family Bacillaceae constitutes a phenotypically diverse and globally ubiquitous assemblage of bacteria. Investigation into how evolution has shaped, and continues to shape, this family has relied on several widely ranging approaches from classical taxonomy, ecological field studies, and evolution in soil microcosms to genomic-scale phylogenetics, laboratory, and directed evolution experiments. One unifying characteristic of the Bacillaceae , the endospore, poses unique challenges to answering questions regarding both the calculation of evolutionary rates and claims of extreme longevity in ancient environmental samples.

Oceanobacillus pacificus sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea sediment

A moderately halophilic bacterial strain, designated XH204T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment core (45° 58′ S 163° 11′ W) of the South Pacific Gyre during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 329. The strain was Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, motile by peritrichous flagella and produced ellipsoidal endospores subterminally positioned within swollen sporangia. Growth of strain XH204T occurred at 15–42 °C (optimum 37 °C), in the presence of 0–14 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 4 %) and at pH 7.0–10.0 (optimum pH 8.0). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain XH204T belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus and showed the highest sequence similarity to Oceanobacillus profundus CL-MP28T (95.6 %); strain XH204T exhibited 93.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of the type species of the genus Oceanobacillus , Oceanobacillus iheyensis HTE831T. The dominant fatty acids of strain XH204T were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The cell wall of strain XH204T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid, and ribose, glucose and galactose as the major whole-cell sugars. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only isoprenoid quinone and the DNA G+C content was 38.8 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analysis, strain XH204T represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus , for which the name Oceanobacillus pacificus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XH204T ( = DSM 25873T = JCM 18381T).

Oceanobacillus aidingensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium

Two Gram-positive, rod-shaped moderately halophilic bacterial strains, designated AD7-25^T and AB-11, were isolated from Aiding and Manasi salt lakes in Xinjiang of China, respectively. The strains were found to be able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 0–21 % (w/v), with optimum growth occurring at 6–8 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimal temperature and pH for growth were determined to be 33–37 °C and pH 7.0–7.5. Cells of the strains are motile by means of polar flagella. Both strains can produce ellipsoidal spores. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C_15:0, iso-C_15:0, iso-C_14:0, anteiso-C_17:0 and iso-C_16:0. The diamino acid in the peptidoglycan and the major quinone system were determined to be meso-diaminopimelic acid (meso-DAP) and MK-7, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of stains AD7-25^T and AB-11 were 39.8 and 40.0 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these two novel strains are closely related to the genus Oceanobacillus showing 90–99.5 % similarity with respect to type strains. These two novel strains were most closely related to Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557^T (99.1 and 99.5 %), followed by O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661^T (99.1 and 99.4 %), Oceanobacillus neutriphilus CGMCC 1.7693^T (97.0 and 97.5 %), Oceanobacillus sojae JCM 15792^T (97.6 and 98.0 %) and Oceanobacillus locisalsi KCTC 13253^T (96.5 and 96.9 %). The DNA–DNA hybridization data indicated that DNA relatedness between strains AD7-25^T and AB-11 was 91.0 %, and the genomic homology of representative strain AD7-25^T with O. oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557^T, O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661^T, O. neutriphilus CGMCC 1.7693^T, O. sojae JCM 15792^T and O. locisalsi KCTC 13253^T were 41, 39, 20, 23 and 17 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strains AD7-25^T and AB-11 should be assigned to the genus Oceanobacillus as a new species, for which the name Oceanobacillus aidingensis sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain is AD7-25^T (=CGMCC 1.9106 ^T = NBRC 105904^T).

Oceanobacillus luteolus sp. nov., isolated from soil

Two Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped and endospore-forming bacteria, designated WM-1T and WM-4, were isolated from a paddy soil and a forest soil, respectively, in South China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that both strains were members of the genus Oceanobacillus and most closely related to Oceanobacillus chironomi LMG 23627T with pairwise sequence similarity of 96.0%. The isolates contained menaquinone-7 (MK-7) as the respiratory quinone and anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and iso-C15:0 as the major fatty acids (>10%). Polar lipids consisted of a predominance of diphosphatidylglycerol and moderate to minor amounts of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The DNA G+C content was 38.6-39.2 mol%. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain WM-1T displayed 99.7 % similarity to that of strain WM-4, and DNA-DNA hybridization between the two strains showed a relatedness value of 91 %. Based on the results of this polyphasic study, strains WM-1T and WM-4 represent a novel species in the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus luteolus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WM-1T (=KCTC 33119T=CGMCC 1.12406T).

Oceanobacillus limi sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium from a salt lake

A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain H9B(T), was isolated from a mud sample of the hypersaline lake Aran-Bidgol in Iran. Cells of strain H9B(T) were motile and produced colonies with a yellowish-grey pigment. Growth occurred between 2.5 and 10 % (w/v) NaCl and the isolate grew optimally at 7.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The optimum pH and temperature for growth of the strain were pH 7.0 and 35 °C, respectively, while it was able to grow over pH and temperature ranges of pH 6-10 and 25-45 °C, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain H9B(T) is a member of the genus Oceanobacillus. The closest relative to this strain was Oceanobacillus profundus CL-MP28(T) with 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity. The level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the novel isolate and this phylogenetically related species was 17 %. The major cellular fatty acids of the isolate were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid pattern of strain H9B(T) consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, four phospholipids and an aminolipid. It contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 37.1 mol%. Phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA relatedness data suggest that this strain represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus limi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Oceanobacillus limi is strain H9B(T) ( = IBRC-M 10780(T) = KCTC 13823(T) = CECT 7997(T)).

Non-contiguous finished genome sequence and description of Oceanobacillus massiliensis sp. nov

Oceanobacillus massiliensis strain N'Diop(T) sp. nov. is the type strain of O. massiliensis sp. nov., a new species within the genus Oceanobacillus. This strain, whose genome is described here, was isolated from the fecal flora of a healthy patient. O. massiliensis is an aerobic rod. Here we describe the features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence and annotation. The 3,532,675 bp long genome contains 3,519 protein-coding genes and 72 RNA genes, including between 6 and 8 rRNA operons.

Oceanobacillus chungangensis sp. nov., isolated from a sand dune

A Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped, motile, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, designated CAU 1051T, was isolated from a sand dune and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain CAU 1051T grew optimally at pH 5.0 and 30 °C. NaCl was not required for growth but up to 10.0 % (w/v) NaCl was tolerated. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CAU 1051T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Oceanobacillus and was most closely related to Oceanobacillus profundus CL-MP28T, Oceanobacillus caeni S-11T, and Oceanobacillus picturae LMG 19492T (96.8 %, 95.6 % and 95.3 % similarity, respectively). DNA–DNA reassociation analysis showed that strain CAU 1051T displayed 28.2±0.7 % relatedness to O. profundus KCTC 13625T. Strain CAU 1051T contained MK-7 as the only isoprenoid quinone and anteiso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acid. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain CAU 1051T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, six unidentified phospholipids, an unidentified glycolipid, and six unidentified polar lipids. The major whole-cell sugars were glucose and ribose. The DNA G+C content was 36.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference, strain CAU 1051T represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus for which the name Oceanobacillus chungangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1051T ( = KCTC 33035T = CCUG 63270T).

Oceanobacillus-like bacterium isolated from Vyhna travertine spring

During characterization of autochthonic Vyhna travertine source microflora, several bacterial strains were isolated and characterised. Isolate T6, a halotolerant, moderately alkaliphilic and thermophilic bacterial isolate, was further characterised based on physiological, microbiological and biochemical tests and phylogenetic 16S rRNA analysis. On the basis of the results obtained, the T6 isolate should be placed in the genus Oceanobacillus, and it is probably a prototype of a novel bacterial species. Characterization of the T6 isolate broadens our knowledge on variability of halophilic bacteria of Oceanobacillus genus and expands data on travertine-associated bacterial communities.

Oceanobacillus polygoni sp. nov., a facultatively alkaliphile isolated from indigo fermentation fluid

A facultatively alkaliphilic, lactic-acid-producing and halophilic strain, designated SA9T, was isolated from a fermented Polygonum indigo (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) liquor sample prepared in a laboratory. The 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested that strain SA9T was a member of the genus Oceanobacillus with the closest relative being Oceanobacillus profundus KCCM 42318T (99.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Cells of strain SA9T stained Gram-positive and were facultative anaerobic straight rods that were motile by peritrichous flagella. The strain grew between 5 and 48 °C (optimum, 35 °C) and at pH 7–12 (optimum, pH 9). The isoprenoid quinone detected was menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the DNA G+C content was 40.6±0.9 mol%. The whole-cell fatty acid profile mainly consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. DNA–DNA hybridization with Oceanobacillus profundus DSM 18246T revealed a DNA–DNA relatedness value of 23±2 %. On the basis of the differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and the results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA–DNA relatedness data from recognized species of the genus Oceanobacillus , strain SA9T merits classification as a representative of a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus , for which the name Oceanobacillus polygoni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SA9T ( = JCM 17252T = NCIMB 14684T). An emended description of the genus Oceanobacillus is also provided.

Oceanobacillus indicireducens sp. nov., a facultative alkaliphile that reduces an indigo dye

An indigo-reducing facultatively alkaliphilic and halophilic strain, designated strain A21T, was isolated from a fermented Polygonum indigo (Polygonum tinctorium Lour.) liquor sample aged for 4 days prepared in a laboratory. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested that strain A21T was a member of the genus Oceanobacillus with the closest relative being the type strain of Oceanobacillus chironomi (similarity: 96.0 %). The cells of the isolate stained Gram-positive and were facultatively anaerobic straight rods that were motile by peritrichous flagella. The strain grew between 18 and 48 °C with optimum growth at 39 °C. It grew in the pH range of 7–12. It hydrolysed casein, gelatin and Tween 20 but not Tweens 40, 60 and 80, starch or DNA. No isoprenoid quinone was detected and the DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. The whole-cell fatty acid profile mainly consisted of iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments with O. chironomi revealed 13 % relatedness. Owing to the differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, and phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA–DNA relatedness data from reported Oceanobacillus species, the isolate merits classification as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Oceanobacillus indicireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A21T ( = JCM 17251T  = NCIMB 14685T). The description of the genus Oceanobacillus is also emended.

Oceanobacillus kimchii sp. nov. isolated from a traditional Korean fermented food

A moderate halophile, strain X50(T), was isolated from mustard kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented food. The organism grew under conditions ranging from 0-15.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum: 3.0%), pH 7.0-10.0 (optimum: pH 9.0) and 15-45°C (optimum: 37°C). The morphological, physiological, and biochemical features and the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain X50(T) were characterized. Colonies of the isolate were creamcolored and the cells were rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain X50(T) belongs to the genus Oceanobacillus and is closely related phylogenetically to the type strain O. iheyensis HTE831(T) (98.9%) and O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi R-2(T) (97.0%). The cellular fatty acid profiles predominately included anteiso-C(15:0) and iso-C(15:0). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the isolate was 37.9 mol% and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA-DNA relatedness and physiological and biochemical tests indicated genotypic and phenotypic differences among strain X50(T) and reference species in the genus Oceanobacillus. Therefore, strain X50(T) was proposed as a novel species and named Oceanobacillus kimchii. The type strain of the new species is X50(T) (=JCM 16803(T) =KACC 14914(T) =DSM 23341(T)).

Oceanobacillus manasiensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from the salt lakes of Xinjiang, China

Three Gram reaction positive, rod-shaped, moderately motile halophilic bacterial strains, designated YD3-56(T), YD16, and YH29, were isolated from the sediments of Manasi and Aiding salt lakes in the Xinjiang region of China, respectively. The strains grew optimally at 30-37 degrees C, pH 8-11, in the presence of 5-10% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains were closely related to members of the genus Oceanobacillus, exhibiting 99.1-99.2% similarity to O. kapialis KCTC 13177(T), 99.2-99.3% to O. picturae KCTC 3821(T), and 94.2-96% sequence similarity to other described Oceanobacillus species. SDS-PAGE of whole cell proteins preparations demonstrated that the strains exhibited high similarity to each other, but distinguished from O. kapialis KCTC 13177(T) and O. picturae KCTC 3821(T) (75%). DNA-DNA hybridization revealed that the similarity between the representative strain YD3-56(T) and O. kapialis KCTC 13177(T) was 35.3%, and the similarity between YD3-56(T) and O. picturae KCTC 3821(T) was 22.3%. Chemotaxonomic analysis of the strains showed menaquinone-7 was the predominant respiratory quinine. Major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15:0) and anteiso-C(17:0). The polar lipid pattern for strain YD3-56(T) predominantly contained phosphatidylcholine, and trace to moderate amounts of phosphatidyl ethanolamine and hydroxy-phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The diamino acid in murein was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The DNA G+C content of the strains was 39.7-40.1 mol%. On the basis of these results, the three strains should be classified as a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus manasiensis sp. nov. has been proposed, with the type strain as YD3-56(T) (=CGMCC 1.9105(T) =NBRC 105903(T)).

Oceanobacillus locisalsi sp. nov., isolated from a marine solar saltern

A Gram-stain-variable, motile, moderately halophilic bacterial strain, CHL-21(T), was isolated from a marine solar saltern and its taxonomic position was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Optimal growth of strain CHL-21(T) occurred at 30-37 °C, at pH 7.0-7.5 and in the presence of 5-10 % (w/v) NaCl. In phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CHL-21(T) fell within the cluster comprising members of the genera Oceanobacillus, Ornithinibacillus and Paucisalibacillus. Strain CHL-21(T) exhibited 97.1-97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of the two subspecies of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi and 92.0-94.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of other members of the genus Oceanobacillus and members of the genera Ornithinibacillus and Paucisalibacillus. Mean DNA-DNA reassociation values between strain CHL-21(T) and the type strains of the two subspecies of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi were 19-21 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain CHL-21(T) was based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone, and anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) were the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 39.8 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, including facultatively anaerobic growth and acid production from substrates, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain CHL-21(T) is distinguishable from recognized Oceanobacillus species. On the basis of data presented, strain CHL-21(T) represents a novel species within the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus locisalsi sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is CHL-21(T) (=KCTC 13253(T) =CCUG 56608(T)).

Oceanobacillus neutriphilus sp. nov., isolated from activated sludge in a bioreactor

A Gram-stain-positive, neutrophilic, rod-shaped bacterium, strain A1g(T), was isolated from activated sludge of a bioreactor and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. The isolate grew in the presence of 0-17.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.0-9.0; optimum growth was observed in the presence of 3.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0. Strain A1g(T) was motile, formed cream-coloured colonies, was catalase- and oxidase-positive and was able to hydrolyse aesculin, Tween 40 and Tween 60. Chemotaxonomic analysis revealed menaquinone-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone and anteiso-C₁₅:₀, anteiso-C₁₇:₀, iso-C₁₆:₀ and iso-C₁₅:₀ as major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain A1g(T) was 36.3 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the new isolate belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus and exhibited closest phylogenetic affinity to the type strains of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis (97.9 % similarity) and O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi (97.5 %), but less than 97 % sequence similarity with respect to the type strains of other recognized Oceanobacillus species. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain A1g(T) and reference strains O. oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557(T), O. oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661(T) and Oceanobacillus iheyensis DSM 14371(T) were 29, 45 and 38 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, strain A1g(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus neutriphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A1g(T) (=CGMCC 1.7693(T) =JCM 15776(T)).

Oceanobacillus kapialis sp. nov., from fermented shrimp paste in Thailand

A Gram-positive, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, spore-forming, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain SSK2-2T, was isolated from fermented shrimp paste (ka-pi) produced in Thailand. It contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The isolate grew at 8-43 degrees C, pH 6-9 and in 0.5-24% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 6-14% NaCl). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 and anteiso-C17:0. Phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipid components. The DNA G+C content was 39.7 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that strain SSK2-2T was most closely related to Oceanobacillus picturae KCTC 3821T with 98.7% sequence similarity. Based on phenotypic and molecular features combined with DNA-DNA hybridization results (<or=24.9% with O. picturae KCTC 3821T), this strain represents a novel species of the genus Oceanobacillus for which the name Oceanobacillus kapialis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is SSK2-2T (=KCTC 13177T=PCU 300T=TISTR 1858T).

Alkalibacillus silvisoli sp. nov., an alkaliphilic moderate halophile isolated from non-saline forest soil in Japan

Two alkaliphilic, moderately halophilic bacteria, designated BM2(T) and HN2, were isolated from non-saline forest soil in Japan. The cells of strain BM2(T) were motile, aerobic, rod-shaped and Gram-positive. The peptidoglycan was of the A1gamma type, and the diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Growth was observed at NaCl concentrations between 5.0 and 25.0 % (w/v) (the optimum being 10.0-15.0 %, w/v), at pH 7.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 9.0-9.5) and at 20-50 degrees C. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The G+C content of total DNA of strain BM2(T) was 37.0 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain BM2(T) was most closely related to Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus DSM 5271(T) (98.0 % sequence similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization results indicated low levels of relatedness between strain BM2(T) and A. haloalkaliphilus JCM 12303(T) (23 and 16 % reciprocally), Alkalibacillus filiformis JCM 13893(T) (25 and 21 %) and Alkalibacillus salilacus JCM 13894(T) (27 and 19 %). On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, strain BM2(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Alkalibacillus silvisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BM2(T) (=JCM 14193(T)=DSM 18495(T)).

Pelagibacillus goriensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderately halotolerant bacterium isolated from coastal water off the east coast of Korea

A Gram-positive, moderately halotolerant bacterium, designated CL-GR16(T), was isolated from coastal water off the east coast of Korea. The strain was strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, motile by means of peritrichous flagella and produced ellipsoidal spores. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate represented an independent lineage within Bacillus rRNA group 1, showing 93.6-94.6 % similarity with respect to the genus Ornithinibacillus, 94.0 % with respect to Paucisalibacillus, 91.0-93.5 % with respect to Virgibacillus, 93.2-93.3 % with respect to Salinibacillus and 92.8-93.2 % with respect to Oceanobacillus. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 30 degrees C and pH 7.5. Strain CL-GR16(T) was able to grow at NaCl concentrations from 0 to 14 %, with optimum growth occurring at 0-2 % NaCl. The strain lacked oxidase. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) (65.6 %), anteiso-C(17 : 0) (11.0 %) and iso-C(15 : 0) (9.1 %). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The G+C content of the DNA was 43 mol%. On the basis of the results of the polyphasic analysis, strain CL-GR16(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Pelagibacillus goriensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain CL-GR16(T) (=KCCM 42329(T)=DSM 18252(T)).

Oceanobacillus profundus sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea sediment core

A halotolerant, facultatively alkaliphilic bacterium, designated CL-MP28T, was isolated from the surface of a sediment core sample collected at a depth of 2247 m in the Ulleung Basin of the East Sea, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CL-MP28T revealed an affiliation with the genus Oceanobacillus. The sequence similarities between the isolate and type strains of members of the genus Oceanobacillus were in the range 95.0-96.0 %, indicating that strain CL-MP28T represented a novel species within the genus. The strain was found to be Gram-positive, rod-shaped and motile by means of peritrichous flagella and was shown to produce ellipsoidal spores. The strain was strictly aerobic and able to grow with NaCl at concentrations in the range 0-14 % (w/v) at pH 7.5. The strain grew at temperatures of 15-42 degrees C and at pH 6.5-9.5. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) (64.9 %), anteiso-C(17 : 0) (11.9 %) and iso-C(16 : 0) (7.7 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content was 40.2 mol%. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence, DNA-DNA relatedness and physiological data and the fatty acid composition, CL-MP28T could be assigned to the genus Oceanobacillus, but is distinguishable from the recognized species of this genus. Strain CL-MP28T therefore represents a novel species within the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus profundus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CL-MP28T (=KCCM 42318T=DSM 18246T).

Oceanobacillus chironomi sp. nov., a halotolerant and facultatively alkaliphilic species isolated from a chironomid egg mass

Chironomids (Diptera; Chironomidae) are the most abundant insects in freshwater aquatic habitats. Females of the genus Chironomus lay egg masses containing hundreds of eggs embedded in a gelatinous matrix. A bacterial strain, designated T3944D(T), was isolated from a chironomid egg mass sampled from a waste-stabilization pond in northern Israel and was found to be Gram-positive, motile by peritrichous flagella, endospore-forming, halotolerant and facultatively alkaliphilic. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain T3944D(T) belonged to the genus Oceanobacillus, exhibiting the highest levels of similarity with the sequences of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis DSM 16557(T) (94.9 %), Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. oncorhynchi JCM 12661(T) (94.8 %), Oceanobacillus iheyensis JCM 11309(T) (94.7 %) and Oceanobacillus picturae LMG 19416 (94.5 %). Strain T3944D(T) grew optimally at 1-3 % NaCl, pH 8.5 and 37 degrees C. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) (60.0 %) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) (12.9 %) and the DNA G+C content was 38.1 mol%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain T3944D(T) represents a novel species in the genus Oceanobacillus, for which the name Oceanobacillus chironomi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T3944D(T) (=LMG 23627(T)=DSM 18262(T)).

High-temperature biotrickling filtration of hydrogen sulphide

Biofiltration of malodorous reduced sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide has been confined to emissions that are at temperatures below 40 degrees C despite the fact that there are many industrial emissions (e.g. in the pulp and paper industry) at temperatures well above 40 degrees C. This paper describes our study on the successful treatment of hydrogen sulphide gas at temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70 degrees C using a microbial community obtained from a hot spring. Three biotrickling filter (BTF) systems were set up in parallel for a continuous run of 9 months to operate at three different temperatures, one of which was always at 40 degrees C as a mesophilic control and the other two were for exploring high-temperature operation up to 70 degrees C. The continuous experiment and a series of batch experiments in glass bottles (250 ml) showed that addition of glucose and monosodium glutamate enhanced thermophilic biofiltration of hydrogen sulphide gas and a removal rate of 40 g m(-3) h(-1) was achieved at 70 degrees C. We suggest that the glucose is acting as a carbon source for the existing microbial community in the BTFs, whereas glutamate is acting as a compatible solute. The use of such organic compounds to enhance biodegradation of hydrogen sulphide, particularly at high temperatures, has not been demonstrated to our knowledge and, hence, has opened up a range of possibilities for applying biofiltration to hot gas effluent.

Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp. incaldanensis subsp. nov., an alkalitolerant halophile isolated from an algal mat collected from a sulfurous spring in Campania (Italy), and emended description of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi

A halophilic, alkalitolerant bacterium, strain 20AGT, was isolated from an algal mat collected from a sulfurous spring located in Santa Maria Incaldana (Mondragone, Campania Region, southern Italy). The isolate is Gram-positive, ferments several carbohydrates and has motile, rod-shaped cells that do not sporulate. The isolate grows at pH 6.5-9.5 and in 5-20 % NaCl. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the strain was shown to belong to the genus Oceanobacillus; strain 20AGT showed 96.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of Oceanobacillus iheyensis, DSM 14371T, and 99.5 % similarity to Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi NCIMB 14022T. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain 20AGT and O. iheyensis DSM 14371T and O. oncorhynchi NCIMB 14022T were respectively 29.4 and 59.0 %. The G+C content of the DNA of strain 20AGT was 40.1 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine were the predominant polar lipids and minor phospholipids were also detected. ai-C14 : 0, ai-C15 : 0 and i-C15 : 0 were the major fatty acids. Strain 20AGT accumulated osmolytes and produced exopolysaccharide. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic data and DNA-DNA relatedness data, isolate 20AGT should be designated as the type strain of a subspecies of Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi, for which the name Oceanobacillus oncorhynchi subsp incaldanensis subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 20AGT (=DSM 16557T = ATCC BAA-954T).

Ornithinibacillus gen. nov., with the species Ornithinibacillus bavariensis sp. nov. and Ornithinibacillus californiensis sp. nov

A Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped, motile, endospore-forming bacterium was isolated from pasteurized milk from Bavaria, Germany. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities indicated that strain WSBC 24001T was most closely related to Virgibacillus species (95.3–96.1 %), Oceanobacillus species (95.6–95.7 %), Bacillus firmus IAM 12464T (95.5 %) and Bacillus niacini IFO 15566T (95.2 %). However, strain WSBC 24001T showed the highest level of sequence similarity to an unnamed strain, MB-9T (97.6 %), which was isolated from coastal surface sediments in California. Hence, this strain was included in our study. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains WSBC 24001T and MB-9T were 36.4 mol and 40.8 mol%, respectively. The major respiratory quinone of both strains was menaquinone MK-7 and the peptidoglycan type was A4β (l-orn←d-Asp). The polar lipid profiles of these strains contained a predominance of diphosphatidylglycerol and moderate to minor amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown aminophospholipid. However, strain WSBC 24001T could be distinguished from strain MB-9T by the presence of an unknown lipid. The fatty acid profiles of the two strains comprised mainly iso- and anteiso-branched acids, but showed some significant quantitative differences in the amounts of certain acids. The DNA–DNA relatedness value (15.5 %) clearly demonstrated that strains WSBC 24001T and MB-9T are representatives of two different species. On the basis of their phylogenetic position and morphological, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties, a novel genus is proposed, Ornithinibacillus gen. nov., with two novel species, the type species Ornithinibacillus bavariensis sp. nov. (type strain WSBC 24001T=DSM 15681T=CCM 7096T) and Ornithinibacillus californiensis sp. nov. (type strain MB-9T=DSM 16628T=CCM 7237T).

Cytochrome c and bioenergetic hypothetical model for alkaliphilic Bacillus spp

Although a bioenergetic parameter is unfavorable for production of ATP (DeltapH<0), the growth rate and yield of alkaliphilic Bacillus strains are higher than those of neutralophilic Bacillus subtilis. This finding suggests that alkaliphiles possess a unique energy-producing machinery taking advantage of the alkaline environment. Expected bioenergetic parameters for the production of ATP (DeltapH and DeltaPsi) do not reflect the actual parameters for energy production. Certain strains of alkaliphilic Bacillus spp. possess large amounts of cytochrome c when grown at a high pH. The growth rate and yield are higher at pH 10 than at pH 7 in facultative alkaliphiles. These findings suggest that a large amount of cytochrome c at high pHs (e.g., pH 10) may be advantageous for sustaining growth. To date, isolated cytochromes c of alkaliphiles have a very low midpoint redox potential (less than +100 mV) compared with those of neutralophiles (approximately +220 mV). On the other hand, the redox potential of the electron acceptor from cytochrome c, that is, cytochrome c oxidase, seems to be normal (redox potential of cytochrome a=+250 mV). This large difference in midpoint redox potential between cytochrome c and cytochrome a concomitant with the configuration (e.g., a larger negative ion capacity at the inner surface membrane than at the outer surface for the attraction of H+ to the intracellular membrane and a large amount of cyrochrome c) supporting H+-coupled electron transfer of cytochrome c may have an important meaning in the adaptation of alkaliphiles at high pHs. This respiratory system includes a more rapid and efficient H+ and e- flow across the membrane in alkaliphiles than in neutralophiles.