The Maranhão Entomopathogenic Bacteria Collection (CBENMA) has 1.373 B. thuringiensis isolates obtained from soil, water, dead insects and plant samples, collected in several municipalities in Maranhão and isolated according to the methods described by Travers et al. Who Ohba & Aizawa Alves Araújo et al. Teixeira et al. Ferreira et al. Colonies were selected, taking into account morphological characteristics, typical of B. thuringiensis, such as the absence of pigmentation (white to off-white with a matt appearance), wavy (irregular) edges and nearly circular shape. All these colonies are positive Gram and resistant to penicillin at a concentration of 100 mg/L.
This Collection is from the Laboratory of Entomopathogenic Bacteria and Molecular Markers (BEMMOL) at the Department of Chemistry and Biology, Caxias Campus of Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, where all isolates are being maintained and stored at 4 °C, in triplicate, on filter-paper strips impregnated with spore suspension, immersed in autoclaved distilled water, named, using the standard CBENMA nomenclature, as BtMAs, BtMAq, BtMAp, BtMAi (Bt for B. thuringiensis, MA for Maranhão and s (soil), q (water), p (plant) and i (insect) to identify the substrate from which it was isolated), followed by continuous numbering based on crystal visualization and store in the CBENMA.
Author(s) Details:
Maria Cleoneide da Silva
Entomopathogenic Bacteria and Molecular Markers Laboratory, Maranhão State University (UEMA), Campus Caxias, Caxias, MA, Brazil.
Jeverson Renato Moraes Brito
Entomopathogenic Bacteria and Molecular Markers Laboratory, Maranhão State University (UEMA), Campus Caxias, Caxias, MA, Brazil.
Emanuelle Cristine Pereira de Sousa
Entomopathogenic Bacteria and Molecular Markers Laboratory, Maranhão State University (UEMA), Campus Caxias, Caxias, MA, Brazil.
Dalton Kaynnan de Prado Costa
Complex Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Maranhão State University (UEMA), Campus Caxias, Caxias, MA, Brazil.
Alessandra Maria Silva Vidigal
Complex Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Maranhão State University (UEMA), Campus Caxias, Caxias, MA, Brazil.
Recent Global Research Developments in Overview of Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins’ Biocidal Activity
“Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins: An Overview of Their Biocidal Activity” by Palma et al. provides insights into Bt toxins. It discusses how Bt, a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium, synthesizes parasporal crystalline inclusions containing Cry and Cyt proteins. These toxins are toxic against a wide range of insect orders, nematodes, and human-cancer cells. Bt toxins have been successfully used as bioinsecticides against caterpillars, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and blackflies [1].
“Bacillus thuringiensis: A Broader View of Its Biocidal Activity” is a special issue that delves into the detailed characterization of isolated Bt strains and novel insecticidal proteins. It unveils their unique biocidal activities, structural information, and mode of action [2].
Another related study is “Biotechnological Advances in Bacillus thuringiensis and Its Toxins”, which analyzes recent advances in the new potential applications of Bt and its toxins. It critically discusses their potential benefits and impacts [3].
The same special issue also includes “Bacillus thuringiensis: A Broader View of Its Biocidal Activity v2.0”, addressing novel Bt strains and proteins with unreported biocidal activities. These can help overcome insect resistance and expand host spectrums [2].
Lastly, “Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins: An Overview of Their Biocidal Activity” provides an updated overview of known active Bt toxins and their activities.
References
- Palma L, Muñoz D, Berry C, Murillo J, Caballero P. Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins: An Overview of Their Biocidal Activity. Toxins. 2014; 6(12):3296-3325. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins6123296
- Bacillus thuringiensis: A Broader View of Its Biocidal Activity v2.0
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/special_issues/659S3191S5 - Azizoglu, U., Salehi Jouzani, G., Sansinenea, E. et al. Biotechnological advances in Bacillus thuringiensis and its toxins: Recent updates. Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol 22, 319–348 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11157-023-09652-5
