BelSU microbiologists identified the unique properties of a novel bacteria strain

The research was carried out jointly by scientists from Belgorod State University, G. K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms at the Pushchino Scientific Centre for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Pushchino State Natural Science Institute and State Scientific Centre for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology and supported by the grant of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. The physiological, biochemical and genetic characteristics of the understudied B-3531D Exiguobacterium alkaliphilum bacteria strain were analyzed during the research conducted.

According to Inna Solyanikova, Professor of BelSU Biotechnology and Microbiology Department, the novel strain genome was sequenced and fully assembled. The scientists discovered that the cells can survive in critical for microorganisms conditions. According to the researchers, this is typical for the genus exciguobacteria samples. However, they revealed another important biotechnological characteristics of the strain – its ability to decompose crude oil.

The scientists believe that further research will make it possible to develop an innovative biotechnological preparation for petroleum products decomposition and stimulating agricultural plants at the same time.