Actinomycetes from Sulphur-rich Reservoirs: Pioneering Healthcare Innovations

Actinomycetes, renowned for their biopharmaceutical potential, have been extensively explored for novel bioactive compounds. This study delves into two rare actinomycetes, Microbacterium proteolyticum GKB-017 and Kocuria flava GKB-021, isolated from the 13th century sulfur-rich stepwell. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, coupled with phylogenetic analysis, unveiled their genetic distinctiveness, indicating unique characteristics and evolutionary traits. The strains underwent bioactivity screening, revealing ethyl acetate extracts with significant antimicrobial efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including clinical isolates. Additionally, antioxidant potential was observed demonstrating their multifaceted biological activities. GC-MS metabolite fingerprinting identified a plethora of bioactive compounds, predominantly fatty acid esters, in both strains, along with fatty alcohols, ethers, cyclohexanol, and lactones. Notably, significant bioactive potential has been demonstrated by 1-undecene, 9-methyl-, fatty alcohols, lactones, as well as fatty esters and diterpenoids, with proven antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Other classes, such as methylated fatty acids and sesquiterpenes, were associated with pharmacological properties. In conclusion, this study underscores the biotechnological potential of actinomycetes from sulfur-rich environments, with M. proteolyticum and K. flava displaying versatile bioactivities. The identified bioactive compounds present promising avenues for drug development, agricultural applications, and industrial processes.