AMB Volume 42, Issue 2, 2026 Pages 338-350 https://doi.org/10.59393/amb26420216
Virgibacillus salarius POTR191 Produces a Bacteriocin with Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity
Berberov K., Atanasova N., Engibarov S., Lazarkevich I., Yakimova B., Paunova T., Boyadzhieva I., Kabaivanova L.
Antibiotic discovery from novel or unconventional natural sources started gaining research interest in recent years. Halophilic bacteria synthesize various antimicrobial compounds and bacteriocins are of particular interest. Bacteriocins are recognized as alternative antimicrobial compounds. Here, we described the antibacterial activity of a bacteriocin from the halophilic bacterium Virgibacillus salarius POTR191. The antibacterial activity of the bacteriocin was evaluated against a panel of 15 strains via agar well diffusion assay and MIC determination. The studied bacteriocin was able to inhibit the growth of eleven Gram-positive or Gram-negative test strains with MICs in the range of 16–512 μg/mL. The bacteriocin retained its activity (80–100%) under a wide pH range (pH 2–10) and showed heat stability up to 100°C with 69–94% residual activity. The bacteriocin showed bacteriostatic effect against two human pathogens and inhibited their biofilm formation over 80%. Its properties suggest possible use as antibiotic or food preservative.
Keywords: antimicrobial compounds; bacteriocin; halophilic bacteria; hypersaline habitats; saltern; Virgibacillus
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