The Microbe of the Year 2023 - Bacillus subtilis

01. April 2023

The bacterium Bacillus subtilis was selected by the Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) as Microbe of the Year 2023. This bacterium is a true multi-talent and has accompanied us in therapy for many years (UTILIN® "H"). However, the bacterium is also used in many areas of daily life.

Bacillus (B.) subtilis is a gram-positive, flagellated rod bacterium that is capable of forming spores. The bacteria belong to the soil bacteria and are widespread. Bacillus subtilis was first described in 1835 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg as Vibrio subtilis. B. subtilis is successfully used in biotechnology, e.g. for the production of vitamin B2, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and various enzymes, which play an important role in washing clothes to break down starch, proteins and fat.

A particularly interesting application is the use of B. subtilis in the construction industry. Small cracks in cement can be closed by the bacteria. Spores that are in the cracks germinate as soon as water enters the cracks. The bacteria now form carbonate ions in the concrete and thus close the cracks.

But B. subtilis is also used in agriculture. The bacteria can strengthen the growth of plants by helping them absorb nutrients and making them more resistant to pathogens.

The use of B. subtilis in animal farming, especially in chicken farming, protects the animals from frequent intestinal infection and thus contributes to a reduction in the use of antibiotics in stables.

UTLIN^® "H", which contains specific components of B. subtilis as the active ingredient, has been used in SANUM therapy for many years.