Classification and Multifaceted Potential of Secondary Metabolites Produced by Bacillus subtilis Group: A Comprehensive Review

Despite their remarkable biosynthetic potential, Bacillus subtilis have been widely overlooked. However, their capability to withstand harsh conditions (extreme temperature, Ultraviolet (UV) and gamma-radiation, and dehydration) and the promiscuous metabolites they synthesize have created increased commercial interest in them as a therapeutic agent, a food preservative, and a plant-pathogen control agent. Nevertheless, the commercial-scale availability of these metabolites is constrained due to challenges in their accessibility via synthesis and low fermentation yields. In the context of this rising in interest, we comprehensively visualized the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. subtilis and highlighted their prospective applications in various industries. Moreover, we proposed and classified these metabolites produced by the B. subtilis group based on their biosynthetic pathways and chemical structures. The biosynthetic pathway, bioactivity, and chemical structure are discussed in detail for each class. We believe that this review will spark a renewed interest in the often disregarded B. subtilis and its remarkable biosynthetic capabilities.

Automated summary

Despite being overlooked, Bacillus subtilis has attracted commercial interest as a therapeutic agent, food preservative, and plant-pathogen control agent due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions and synthesize various metabolites. However, the accessibility and fermentation yields of these metabolites are limited. In this review, we comprehensively visualize and classify the antimicrobial peptides and metabolites produced by B. subtilis based on their biosynthetic pathways and chemical structures, providing detailed discussions on their biosynthetic pathways, bioactivity, and chemical structure. This review aims to reignite interest in the often disregarded B. subtilis and its remarkable biosynthetic capabilities.