Work

Comparative analysis of gut bacteria-associated enzymatic differentiation in honeybees Apis cerana and Apis mellifera

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The present study elucidates the enzymatic diversity, functional specialization, and biotechnological potential of culturable gut bacterial communities in Apis mellifera and Apis cerana , two key pollinator species. Gut samples were analyzed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize bacterial diversity, followed by qualitative and quantitative screening of culturable isolates for cellulolytic, hemicellulolytic, and lipolytic activities. A total of 34 bacterial isolates were recovered from distinct gut compartments, of which 31 showed significant enzymatic activity ( p < 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis revealed predominant affiliation with Bacillota and Pseudomonadota , including Apilactobacillus , Fructobacillus , Ralstonia , Enterobacter , Bombella , Citrobacter , and Burkholderia . Among these, Apilactobacillus (1.874 ± 0.12 U/mg) and Enterobacter (1.643 ± 0.11 U/mg) exhibited the highest cellulolytic activity. Ralstonia showed the strongest hemicellulolytic potential (1.674 ± 0.24 U/mg), while Bombella demonstrated the highest lipolytic activity (3.541 ± 0.22 U/mg). Enzyme activity was significantly higher in midgut isolates (45%) compared to hindgut (29%) and foregut (26%) isolates ( p < 0.01), indicating compartment-specific specialization. Hierarchical clustering and PCA revealed distinct functional structuring between the species, with A. cerana showing a cohesive enzymatic network and A. mellifera exhibiting greater metabolic heterogeneity. These findings highlight bee-microbiota co-evolution and the industrial potential of bee-derived enzymes for biomass conversion and biowaste valorization.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-64519-3