Potential for resistance to freezing by non-virulent bacteria isolated from Antarctica

Abstract Industrial sectors are searching for new compounds to improve the preservation of food and blood, human tissues, and fuels used at low temperatures. Antarctic microorganisms have mechanisms to overcome injuries caused by low temperatures, making them sources of compounds with antifreeze act...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
Main Authors: ELIZANDRA R.B. MOREIRA, JÚLIA R. OTTONI, VALÉRIA M. DE OLIVEIRA, MICHEL RODRIGO Z. PASSARINI
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2022
Subjects:
extremophilic bacteria
low temperature
virulence factors
hydrolytic enzymes
proteinase
hemolysis
Science
Q
Antarctic
Antarc*
Antarctica
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202220210459
https://doaj.org/article/227940215a3549b59e0c774f75b15903
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Summary:Abstract Industrial sectors are searching for new compounds to improve the preservation of food and blood, human tissues, and fuels used at low temperatures. Antarctic microorganisms have mechanisms to overcome injuries caused by low temperatures, making them sources of compounds with antifreeze activity. However, it is mandatory that such compounds do not pose a risk to human health. The present study evaluated the potential of Antarctic bacteria to resist freezing, produce virulence factors, their tolerance to physiological pHs/temperature and resistance to antibiotics. Sixty-five isolates were tested for antifreeze compound production, among which, 31 grew after the test. Of these, 3 strains of Arthrobacter sp. (356, 358 and 443), one Psychromonas arctica (ESH238) and one unidentified strain (363) showed positive results for hemolytic activity. Psychrobacter sp. 456 showed proteinase activity. None of the isolates showed resistance to the antibiotics. All isolates were able to grow in one of the three pHs (4, 7 and 8) and/or temperature (36, 38 and 40 ºC). Antarctic bacterial present potential for the production of antifreeze compounds and may be considered safe in industrial processes. The characterization of the genes responsible for virulence factors should be carried out to reinforce the potential applicability of such bacteria.

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