Work

Nutrient-induced germination of Bacillus subtilis spores exhibiting shared metabolic profiles in both TSB and AGFK media

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming bacterium commonly implicated in food spoilage and foodborne illnesses due to its resistance to harsh conditions. Upon exposure to favorable environments, the spores germinate and resume metabolic activity and thus pose a risk to food safety. Detecting early germination stages is thus crucial for preventing contamination and subsequent illness outbreaks. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the potential of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics to identify significant metabolites released during Bacillus subtilis OSU 494 spore germination using two nutrient germinants. The goal was to uncover biomarkers that could support improved detection strategies in food safety applications. METHODS: The spores were induced to germinate using either tryptic soy broth (TSB) or L-asparagine, D-glucose, D-fructose, and potassium chloride (AGFK). The samples were collected hourly over 4 h and analyzed using an 850 MHz NMR spectrometer with a triple-resonance cryoprobe. 1D-¹H NOESY and 2D ¹H-¹³C HSQC spectra were obtained. Spectral binning and linear modeling were then applied to identify significant metabolic features. RESULTS: The AGFK-induced germination yielded dipicolinic acid (DPA), L-alanine, acetic acid, L-phenylalanine, and formic, succinic, and fumaric acids. The TSB-induced germination produced DPA, L-alanine, L-phenylalanine, acetic and fumaric acids. CONCLUSION: Several metabolites were consistently released during germination in both nutrient conditions. These metabolites, particularly DPA and L-alanine, served as reliable biomarkers for the Bacillus subtilis spore germination. They then provided valuable insights for developing rapid detection tools to enhance food safety monitoring and contamination control.

Source: Metabolomics

DOI: 10.1007/s11306-026-02442-4

Authors: Nana Asiamah Boateng, V. M. Balasubramaniam, Melvin A. Pascall, Matthias S. Klein

Institutions: The Ohio State University, McGill University

Language: English

Topic: Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,890