Molecular Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose Producing <i>Bacillus</i> Strains Isolated From Soil

Bacterial cellulose (BC) a remarkable natural biopolymer, offering diverse applications across various industries. This study aimed to identify bacteria that are capable of producing bacterial cellulose through the utilization of various carbon sources isolated from soil. BC producing strains were identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1, Bacillus subtilis B2, Bacillus velezensis B3, Bacillus siamensis B4, and B. amyloliquefaciens B5 by 16 s rDNA sequencing analysis. The highest amount of BC production observed was when Sucrose was used as the carbon source, the trend B. siamensis B4 (3.0 ± 0.35 g L^-1) > B. subtilis B2 (2.8 ± 0.57 g L^-1) > B. velezensis B3 (2.5 ± 0.85 g L^-1) > B. amyloliquefaciens B1 (2.3 ± 0.68 g L^-1) > B. amyloliquefaciens B5 (2 ± 0.71 g L^-1). The antibacterial activity of BCs was examined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The BC produced by B. amyloliquefaciens B5 showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus and and E. coli by producing a clear inhibition zone of 11 and 9 mm, respectively. The water retention capability (WRC %) of the BCs demonstrated a notable range, measuring between 177.7% and 150%. Additionally, the moisture content (MC %) of these samples varied, falling within a range of 64%-60%. The formation of BCs was detected by FTIR analysis. The BC membrane were exhibited definitive characteristics, including a robust nanodimensional network and microfibrils, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, investigation molecular basis of cellulose synthesis of Bacillus strains during cellulose synthesis could offer valuable insights for optimizing production processes.