Antibiotic potential and metabolic modulation of Bacillus velezensis VTRNT 01 in response to bacterial elicitors.

Abstract

Bacterial elicitors are recognized for their ecological role in stimulating plant defenses and enhancing the production of beneficial metabolites. This study explores the antibiotic potential of endophytic Bacillus velezensis VTRNT 01, isolated from Adenosma bracteosum Bonati, under co-cultivation with bacterial elicitors (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Aeromonas hydrophila). By leveraging these interactions, we aim to unlock the full potential of endophytic bacteria for sustainable applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, we identified a total of 42 distinct chemical compounds produced under these conditions. Notably, 15 of these compounds were exclusively induced by the elicitor treatment, suggesting a strong interactive effect between Bacillus velezensis and the elicitors. Among the identified compounds, several have well-documented antimicrobial properties, including benzaldehyde, benzeneacetic acid, and tetradecanoic acid, which were shown to exhibit significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens. These findings demonstrate the potential of bio-elicitor strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds, paving the way for innovative solutions in crop protection and the development of new therapeutic agents.