Discovery and characterization of novel lipopeptides produced by Virgibacillus massiliensis with biosurfactant and antimicrobial activities

The study aimed to evaluate the biosurfactants (BSs) production by SM-23 strain of Virgibacillus identified by phenotypical and WGS analysis as Virgibacillus massiliensis. We first demonstrated the lipopeptides production by Virgibacillus massiliensis specie and studied their biochemical and molecular analysis as well as their biological potential. The GC–MS analysis indicated that methyl.2-hyroxydodecanoate was the major fatty acid compound with 33.22%. The maximum BSs production was obtained in LB medium supplemented by 1% olive oil (v/v) at 30 °C and 5% NaCl with 1.92 g/l. The obtained results revealed the significant biosurfactants/bioemulsifier potential compared to triton X100 with E24 of 100%, and an emulsification stability SE of 83%. The lipopeptides types were identified by FTIR analysis. A strong antimicrobial action was observed by the produced lipopeptides by the agar diffusion method against E.coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, Fusarium sp, Alternaria sp, and Phytophtora sp. The complete genome sequencing showed genes involved in the synthesis of multiple compounds identified as amphipathic cyclic lipopeptides such as locillomycin/locillomycin B/locillomycin C and bacillibactin. Our results highlighted significant lipopeptides properties displayed by V. massiliensis that can be exploited to develop a novel strategy in the formulation of natural biocidal and fungicidal agents.