Extending the limits of Bacillus for novel biotechnological applications

Bacillus, generally regarded as safe, has emerged as a robust organism that can withstand adverse environmental conditions and grows easily to very high densities. Bacillus has been recognized for its biotechnological applications on an industrial scale. Recent efforts have shown the potential of Bacillus to generate biofuels (hydrogen), biopolymers (polyhydroxyalkanoates), and bioactive molecules (acyl-homoserine lactonases). Bacillus can be considered the dark horse in the race to generate sustainable energy, ecofriendly non-fossil fuel-based polymers, and bioactive molecules for use as therapeutics. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.