NZ711345B - Method of producing partially purified extracellular metabolite products from bacillus coagulans and biological applications thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC-37 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank as strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050. Also disclosed is the anti-microbial profile of said extracellular metabolite preparation against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. The extracellular metabolite preparation alone or the combination of said extracellular metabolite preparation and preservative blend also inhibits microbial biofilm formation in a synergistic manner. rial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050. Also disclosed is the anti-microbial profile of said extracellular metabolite preparation against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. The extracellular metabolite preparation alone or the combination of said extracellular metabolite preparation and preservative blend also inhibits microbial biofilm formation in a synergistic manner.

Description

METHOD OF PRODUCING PARTIALLY PURIFIED EXTRACELLULAR METABOLITE PRODUCTS FROM BACILLUS COAGULANS AND BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION This patent application is the non-provisional filing for provisional patent application US61920567 filed 24 December 2013 for the invention titled “METHOD OF PRODUCING PARTIALLY PURIFIED EXTRACELLULAR METABOLITE PRODUCTS FROM BACILLUS COAGULANS AND BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS THEREOF.” BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [PARA 001] Field of the invention [PARA 002] The invention in general relates to the anti-microbial effects of probiotic preparations. More specifically, the present invention relates to (1) a method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (2) the anti-microbial profile of said extracellular metabolite preparation against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. The extracellular metabolite preparation alone or the combination of said extracellular metabolite preparation and preservative blend is also shown to inhibit microbial biofilm formation in a synergistic manner.

[PARA 003] Description of prior art [PARA 004] Extracellular products of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture Bacillus coagulans strain suitable for topical application to the skin or mucosal membranes of a mammal and thereby capable of being utilized to inhibit the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof is known in the art (US6905692, “Topical compositions containing probiotic Bacillus bacteria, spores, and extracellular products and uses thereof). The present invention pertains to further purification of extracellular components of cultures of probiotic Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) to obtain a concentrated extracellular metabolite preparation that exhibits enhanced anti-microbial effects when compared to the supernatant itself both alone and when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 004a] In one aspect, the invention provides a purification method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, said purification method comprising the steps of: a. Inoculating a culture of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 into 1.0 liter of Glucose Yeast Extract Acetate broth medium or MRS broth containing 0.5% tween 80 or Corn steep powder media; b. Allowing the fermentation in the inoculated medium of step a. to proceed for 24-48 h at 37°C with 120 rpm; c. Centrifuging the fermentation broth of step b. at 4000-7000 rpm; d. Concentrating supernatants 10 fold by using rotary evaporator at 50°C of step c.; e. Adding 150 ml of chilled acetone drop by drop to 100 ml of tenfold concentrated supernatants of step d., followed by mixing; f. Incubating the mixture of step e. at 0°C for 30 minutes followed by centrifuging at 7000-8000 rpm; g. Discarding the pellet obtained in step f. and collecting 60% acetone saturated supernatant (~200ml); h. Concentrating the acetone saturated supernatant in step g. to 50 ml by rotary evaporator; i. Adjusting the pH to 5.0 by using 4N HCl, filtered (0.22 micron; Millex, Millipore, India) and stored at -20°C till further use; or j. Freeze drying/spray drying/tray drying the supernatant of step h.

[PARA 004b] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a microbial infection in a subject in need thereof.

[PARA 004c] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a microbial infection in a subject in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis, wherein the microbial infection is due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli.

[PARA 004d] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, in a subject in need thereof.

[PARA 004e] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, in a subject in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 004f] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing pH drop and further accumulation of biofilm of Streptococcus mutans in the presence of sucrose, in a patent in need thereof.

[PARA 004g] In another aspect, the invention provides a use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing pH drop and further accumulation of biofilm of Streptococcus mutans in the presence of sucrose, in a patent in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 005] Also disclosed herein is 1) A method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050. 2) The anti-microbial profile of said extracellular metabolite preparation against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. 3) The microbial biofilm inhibitory potential of said extracellular metabolite preparation alone or in combination with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 006] The present invention fulfills the aforesaid objectives and provides further related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [PARA 007] The present invention describes (1) A method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050; (2) The anti-microbial profile of said extracellular metabolite preparation against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis and (3) The microbial biofilm inhibitory potential of said extracellular metabolite preparation alone or in combination with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. (4) The antimicrobial activity and anti-acidogenic effect against adherent S. mutans in water- insoluble glucans of said extracellular metabolite preparation alone or in combination with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 008] The present invention provides the following advantages. 1) Disclosure of a purification method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050; 2) Disclosure of the anti-microbial profile of the partially purified against a panel of microbial pathogens, including synergistic anti-microbial effects of said partially purified extracellular preparation when combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. 3) Disclosure of the microbial biofilm inhibitory potential of said extracellular metabolite preparation alone or in combination with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. 4) Disclosure of the antimicrobial activity and anti-acidogenic effect against adherent S. mutans in water-insoluble glucans, of said extracellular metabolite preparation alone or in combination with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying images, which illustrate, by way of example, the principle of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [PARA 0010] Fig.1 shows the process flowchart for a purification method to produce partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37- 01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050.

[PARA 0011] Fig. 2 shows the representation of checkerboard broth micro-dilution method for synergistic anti-microbial studies.

[PARA 0012] Figs.3A-3B, 3C-3D, 3E-3F, 3G-3H, 3I-3J, 3K-3L, 3M-3N, 3O-3P show respectively, the graphical representation of the effect of natural preservative blend and extracellular metaboliltes of B. coagulans MTCC 5856 alone and in combination on the growth and viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella abony NCIM 2257, Streptococcus mutans MTCC 1943, Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 11827, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphlococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579.

[PARA 0013] Figs. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E show respectively, the graphical representations of the effect of natural preservative blend and extracellular metabolites of B. coagulans MTCC 5856 alone and in combination on the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Streptococcus mutans MTCC 1943,Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990.

[PARA 0014] Figs.5A and 5B show respectively, the graphical representations of the effect of natural preservative blend and extracellular metabolites of B. coagulans MTCC 5856 on the growth/pH drop and the formation of water insoluble glucans of S. mutans MTCC 1943 biofilm in presence of 2% sucrose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MOST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [PARA 0015] Herein described is a purification method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, said purification method comprising the steps of: 1. Inoculating a culture of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 into 1.0 liter of Glucose Yeast Extract Acetate broth medium (HiMedia, Mumbai India) or MRS broth containing 0.5% tween 80 or Corn steep powder media; 2. Allowing the fermentation in the inoculated medium of step 1 to proceed for 24-48 h at 37°C with 120 rpm; 3. Centrifuging the fermentation broth of step 2 at 4000-7000 rpm; 4. Concentrating supernatants 10 fold by using rotary evaporator at 50°C of step 3.

. Adding 150 ml of chilled acetone drop by drop to 100 ml of tenfold concentrated supernatants of step 4, followed by mixing; 6. Incubating the mixture of step 5 at 0°C for 30 minutes followed by centrifuging at 7000-8000 rpm; 7. Discarding the pellet obtained in step 6 and collecting 60% acetone saturated supernatant (~200ml). 8. Concentrating the acetone saturated supernatant in step 7 to 50 ml by rotary evaporator. 9. Adjusting the pH to 5.0 by using 4N HCl, filtered (0.22 micron; Millex, Millipore, India) and stored at -20°C till further use.

. Freeze drying/spray drying/tray drying the supernatant of step 8.

[PARA 0016] Also described is a process of microbial control, said process comprising the step of bringing into contact effective concentrations of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and a target microbial cell. In more specific embodiments, the microbial cell may be one selected from the group comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Propionibacterium acnes, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella abony.

[PARA 0017] In yet another most preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process of microbial control, said process comprising the step of bringing into contact a microbial cell with effective concentrations of a preparation consisting essentially of partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. In more specific embodiments, the microbial cell may be one selected from the group comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Propionibacterium acnes, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella abony.

[PARA 0018] Also described is a process of inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, said process comprising step of bringing into contact biofilm producing microbial cells and a preparation consisting essentially of partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 alone or said preparation combined with a synergistic preservative blend comprising from about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

[PARA 0019] The following examples are presented herewith to illustrate the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[PARA 0020] EXAMPLE 1 [PARA 0021] Microorganisms and culture conditions [PARA 0022] The bacterial strains used in this study included Streptococcus mutans MTCC 1943, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 14990, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Salmonella abony NCIM 2257 and Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. The reference strains were purchased from ATCC (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA, USA), MTCC (IMTECH, Chandigarh, India) and NCIM (National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms, Pune, India). S. mutans and P. acnes were maintained on brain–heart infusion agar (BHI; Difco Laboratories, Detroit, MI, USA) and reinforced clostridial agar (RCA; HiMedia, Mumbai, India) respectively. S. aureus, S. epidermidis E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. abony and B. cereus were maintained on trypticase soy agar (Difco Laboratories) at 37°C. S. mutans and P. acnes were incubated anaerobically (80% N , 10% H and 10% CO ) at 37°C up to 48 h in anaerobic chamber (Coy Laboratory Products Inc, 2 2 2 Michigan). Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 used in the study was characterized and deposited to Microbial Type Culture Collection, Chandigarh, India and the strain was assigned as Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856.

[PARA 0023] Technique-The checkerboard method for synergy study [PARA 0024] This is the most frequently used method to access the antimicrobial combinations in vitro.

The term "checkerboard" refers to the pattern (of tubes or microtiter plate wells) formed by multiple dilutions of two drugs being tested (Eliopoulos GM, Moellering RC: Antimicrobial combinations. In Antibiotics in laboratory medicine. Edited by Lorian V. Baltimore, The Williams & Wilkins Co; 1991:432- 492). In the present study, the checker board consisted of columns in which each tube (or well) contains the same amount of the partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 being diluted along the X-axis (rows) in which each tube (or well) contains the same amount of the preservative blend being diluted on the Y-axis (Fig 2). As a result each square in the checkerboard (which represents one tube/ well or plate) contained a unique combination of partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 and preservative blend. The concentration range of preservative blend in the present study was 2000 μg/ml to 31.25 μg/ml and lower in some cases, whereas the partially purified extracellular metabolite preparations from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 was tested in the range of 8 % (v/v) to 0.015 % (v/v). This checkerboard technique can be performed with liquid or semisolid (agar) media. BHI broth and RC broth were used for S. mutans and P. acnes respectively and plates were incubated anaerobically (80% N , 10% H and 10% CO ) at 37°C up to 48 h in anaerobic chamber. Mueller hinton 2 2 2 broth (Difco) was used for S. aureus, S. epidermidis E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. abony and B. cereus and plates were incubated at 37°C for 18 h.

[PARA 0025] Kill kinetics [PARA 0026] Time–kill studies of the preservative blend and partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 were conducted against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus S. epidermidis, S. mutans, P. acnes, B. cereus and Salmonella abony and evaluated using a time–kill curve method, as described previously (Eliopoulus GM, Moellering RCJ. Antimicrobial combinations. In: Lorian V, ed. Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine, 4th edn. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1996; 330–6.). Bacterial suspension in its logarithmic phase (1×10 cfu/ml) was used as the inoculum. The preservative blend and partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 were tested alone and in combination at different concentrations, as determined in checkerboard assay.

The cell population as cfu/ml was determined by a serial dilution method in triplicate on respective media and incubated in respective growth conditions. The viable count and absorbance (OD ) were taken at 0 (untreated control), and 24 h of incubation at 37°C. Viable count was expressed in Log cfu/ml and absorbance was expressed in OD value at 610 nm.

[PARA 0027] Biofilm susceptibility assays [PARA 0028] The biofilm inhibitory effect of preservative blend and partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 alone and in combination were examined against S. mutans, E. coli, S. aureus S. epidermidis and P. aerugenosa by the microdilution method (Wei et al. Journal of Antimicrob. Chemother. 2006. 57:1100–1109.).

This method was similar to the checkerboard method for planktonic cells. For S. mutans biofilm assay, BHI broth supplemented with 2% sucrose was used. In case of other organisms, TSB supplemented with 2% glucose was used in the study. The bacterial suspensions were prepared from the overnight-grown culture, and the turbidity of the suspension was adjusted to an optical density at 610 nm (A ) of 0.7 (1 x 10 CFU/ml). The concentration range of preservative blend in the present study was 2000 μg/ml to 31.25 μg/ml and lower concentrations in some cases, whereas partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 was tested in the range of 8 % (v/v) to 0.015 % (v/v). Forty microliters of fresh media broth was added to each well, followed by the addition of 60 µl of the above-mentioned suspension to each well of the plate. This resulted in the final inoculum of 6 x 10 CFU/ml in each well; After incubation at 37°C for 48 h, the culture supernatant from each well was decanted, and planktonic cells were removed by washing the wells with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.2). The biofilm was fixed with methanol for 15 min and then air dried at room temperature. The wells of the dried plate were stained with 0.1% (w/v) crystal violet (Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, MO) for 10 min and rinsed thoroughly with water until the negative control wells appeared colorless.

Biofilm formation was quantified by the addition of 200 µl of 95% ethanol to the crystal violet- stained wells and recording the absorbance at 595 nm (A ). The percentage of biofilm inhibition was calculated using the equation (A of biofilm treated with test agent/A of non-treated 595 595 control) ×100. Culture without test agent was used as the non-treated control.

[PARA 0029] Antimicrobial activity against adherent S. mutans in water-insoluble glucan [PARA 0030] The formation of water-insoluble glucan by S. mutans MTCC 1943 was performed by a previously described method (Katsura et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2001. 45:3009– 3013). Briefly, aliquots of 100 µl of culture of S. mutans MTCC 1943 (~ 1 × 10 cells/ml) were inoculated into 10 ml of fresh BHI broth containing 2% sucrose (w/v) in the test tubes and incubated at 37°C for 24 h at an inclination of 30°. The fluid containing planktonic cells was gently removed. The water-insoluble glucan containing cells of S. mutans MTCC 1943 were gently washed with 10 ml of sterile water and resuspended in 10 ml of phosphate buffer (10 mM, pH 5.0) containing preservative blend and partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 alone and in combination, followed by incubation at 37°C for 5 min. Chlorhexidine 0.12% (v/v) (Sigma Chemical Co., St Louis, MO) was used as internal reference in the study. The mixture was gently washed again with sterile saline (0.89% NaCl, w/v), followed by the resuspension of treated cells in 10 ml of BHI broth containing 2% sucrose (w/v).

After incubation of cells at 37°C for 6, 12, 18, and 24 h, the acid produced by the culture was measured by using a pH meter. The fluid containing free cells of S. mutans MTCC was gently removed. The water insoluble glucan was resuspended in 10 ml of 1 N NaOH solution and homogenized; the turbidity was measured at 610 nm.

[PARA 0031] RESULTS [PARA 0032] Table 1 shows the fold reduction of human microbial pathogens when brought in contact with A. formulations containing just Partially Purified Extracellular Metabolites (PPEM) or Natural Preservative Blend (NPB); and B. formulations incorporating both Partially Purified Extracellular Metabolites (PPEM) and Natural Preservative Blend (NPB). It may be noted that the formulations incorporating both Partially Purified Extracellular Metabolites (PPEM) and Natural Preservative Blend (NPB) cause a significant eight fold decrease for pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four fold decrease for pathogen Escherichia coli.

Table 1. Results of checkerboard testing of the natural preservative blend and partially purified extracellular metabolites of probiotic stain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 against human pathogens Partially Purified Extracellular Natural Preservative Blend (NPB) Metabolites (PPEM) S. No Tested organisms MIC (%, v/v) MIC (µg/ml) alone In combination with NPB alone In combination with PPEM (Fold reduction in MIC) (Fold reduction in MIC) 1 P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 0.5 0.12 (4) 250 31.25 (8) 2 E. coli ATCC 25922 1.0 0.25 (4) 250 62.50 (4) 3 S. abony NCIM 2257 1.0 0.25 (4) 500 125 (4) 4 S. mutans MTCC 1943 4.0 2.0 (2) 15.62 7.81 (2) P. acnes ATCC 11827 4.0 2.0 (2) 62.50 31.25 (2) S. aureus ATCC 29213 2.0 1.0 (2) 31.25 15.62 (2) 6 S. epidermidis ATCC 14990 2.0 1.0 (2) 32.25 15.62 (2) 7 B. cereus ATCC 14579 4.0 2.0 (2) 125 31.25 (2) [PARA 0033] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims (9)

What we claim is:

1. A purification method for producing partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from the probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, said purification method comprising the steps of: a. Inoculating a culture of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 into 1.0 liter of Glucose Yeast Extract Acetate broth medium or MRS broth containing 0.5% tween 80 or Corn steep powder media; b. Allowing the fermentation in the inoculated medium of step a. to proceed for 24-48 h at 37°C with 120 rpm; c. Centrifuging the fermentation broth of step b. at 4000-7000 rpm; d. Concentrating supernatants 10 fold by using rotary evaporator at 50°C of step c.; e. Adding 150 ml of chilled acetone drop by drop to 100 ml of tenfold concentrated supernatants of step d., followed by mixing; f. Incubating the mixture of step e. at 0°C for 30 minutes followed by centrifuging at 7000-8000 rpm; g. Discarding the pellet obtained in step f. and collecting 60% acetone saturated supernatant (~200ml); h. Concentrating the acetone saturated supernatant in step g. to 50 ml by rotary evaporator; i. Adjusting the pH to 5.0 by using 4N HCl, filtered (0.22 micron; Millex, Millipore, India) and stored at -20°C till further use; or j. Freeze drying/spray drying/tray drying the supernatant of step h.

2. A use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a microbial infection in a subject in need thereof.

3. The use of claim 2 wherein the microbial infection is due to a microbe selected from the group comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, Propionibacterium acnes, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella abony.

4. A use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a microbial infection in a subject in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis, wherein the microbial infection is due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli.

5. A use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, in a subject in need thereof,.

6. A use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis, in the manufacture of a medicament for inhibiting microbial biofilm formation, in a subject in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis.

7. The use of claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the biofilm producing microbial cell is one selected from the group comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans.

8. A use of a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (Deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% genetic homology with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing pH drop and further accumulation of biofilm of Streptococcus mutans in the presence of sucrose, in a patent in need thereof.

9. A use of (a) a partially purified extracellular metabolite preparation from probiotic bacterial strain Bacillus coagulans SBC37-01 (a sample of which is deposited in the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank and was assigned the strain number MTCC 5856) exhibiting 99% sequence identity with the known bacterial strains Bacillus coagulans ATCC 31284, Bacillus coagulans NBRC 3887 and Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 and (b) a synergistic preservative blend comprising about 61% w/w of thymol, about 38% of monolaurin and about 1% w/w of magnolol in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing pH drop and further accumulation of biofilm of Streptococcus mutans in the presence of sucrose, in a patent in need thereof, wherein the preservative blend is obtained from supercritical fluid extracts of Magnolia officinalis. Bacillus coagulans SBC01 (MTCC 5856) culture Inoculated into corn steep powder medium Fermentation till 24-48 hrs at 37 ̊ C, 120 rpm Centrifuged at 4000-7000 rpm for 10 minutes Supernatant was 10 fold concentrated Pellet was discarded using rotary evaporator at 50 ̊ C 100 ml of tenfold concentrated Bacillus coagulans SBC-37 supernatant (12 hours incubation) and total protein 3.2 mg/ml (+) 150 ml chilled acetone added drop wise Mixed and kept at 0° C for 30 min and then centrifuged at 7000-8000 rpm Pellet was discarded 60% acetone saturated supernatant (~200ml) Concentrated to ~ 50 ml by rota evaporator (Total protein: 4.3 mg/ml) pH was adjusted to 5.0 by using 4N HCl, filtered (0.22 micron) and stored at -20°C