29/08/2025
FOLLOWING ARE ONLY FEW EXAMPLES OF MICROBES WITH US IN EACH USE SITE; AND NOT COMPLETE
Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Leather industry
Bacillus subtilis
Enzyme: Protease
Use: Dehairing and bating processes to break down proteins in hides and skins.
Aspergillus niger
Enzyme: Lipase
Use: Degreasing to remove fats and oils from hides.
Streptomyces griseus
Enzyme: Keratinase
Use: Dehairing by breaking down keratin in hair.
Penicillium chrysogenum
Enzyme: Amylase
Use: Removing starch-based impurities from hides
Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Paper industry
Xylanase
Microbe: Trichoderma reesei
Application: Reduces the need for harsh chemicals in the bleaching process by breaking down xylan, a component of hemicellulose.
Cellulase
Microbe: Aspergillus niger
Application: Improves fiber texture, enhances drainage, and facilitates ink removal during the deinking process.
Laccase
Microbe: Trametes versicolor
Application: Degrades lignin, which helps in the bleaching process and reduces the need for chlorine-based chemicals.
Pectinase
Microbe: Aspergillus niger
Application: Used in the deinking process to remove ink from recycled paper by breaking down pectin
Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Textile industry
Aspergillus niger
Enzyme: Cellulase
Application: Used for biopolishing to remove microfibrils from cotton fabrics, improving texture and appearance.
Bacillus licheniformis
Enzyme: Amylase
Application: Used for desizing to remove starch from fabrics, making them easier to process.
Trametes versicolor
Enzyme: Laccase
Application: Used in the bleaching process to degrade lignin and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.
Aspergillus oryzae
Enzyme: Pectinase
Application: Used in the retting process to break down pectin in plant fibers, facilitating easier separation
Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in diagnosis
Aspergillus niger
Enzyme: Glucose Oxidase
Application: Used in glucose monitoring devices for diabetes management.
Bacillus stearothermophilus
Enzyme: DNA Polymerase
Application: Used in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for amplifying DNA sequences in genetic testing.
Streptococcus pyogenes (not readily available)
Enzyme: Streptokinase
Application: Used in blood clot dissolution tests and treatments.
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Enzyme: Lipase
Application: Used in assays to measure lipid levels in blood samples.
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used as Biofertilizers
Rhizobium
Enzyme: Nitrogenase
Application: Fixes atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, enhancing soil fertility.
Azotobacter
Enzyme: Nitrogenase
Application: Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria that improve soil nitrogen content.
Bacillus megaterium
Enzyme: Phytase
Application: Solubilizes phosphorus, making it more available to plants.
Pseudomonas putida
Enzyme: Siderophores
Application: Produces siderophores that bind to iron, making it more accessible to plants.
Mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., Glomus species)
Enzyme: Phosphatase
Application: Enhances phosphorus uptake by plants through symbiotic relationships with roots.
Potassium-Solubilizing Bacteria (KSB):
Microbe: Bacillus mucilaginosus
Enzyme: Organic Acid Production
Function: Solubilizes potassium from insoluble minerals.
Zinc-Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB):
Microbe: Pseudomonas fluorescens
Enzyme: Siderophores, Organic Acids
Function: Solubilizes zinc from zinc-containing minerals.
Silicate-Solubilizing Bacteria:
Microbe: Bacillus circulans
Enzyme: Silicate Solubilizing Enzymes
Function: Solubilizes silicate minerals, making silicon available to plants.
Iron-Solubilizing Bacteria:
Microbe: Pseudomonas putida, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Enzyme: Siderophores
Function: Mobilizes iron by chelating it and making it available to plants.
Sulphur reducing Bacteria:
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used as Pesticide
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt):
Enzyme: Cry and Cyt proteins (Bt toxins)
Function: These proteins are toxic to certain insect larvae, causing cell lysis in the gut of the insect.
Beauveria bassiana:
Enzyme: Chitinase, Protease
Function: These enzymes degrade the chitin and proteins in the exoskeleton of insects, leading to their death.
Metarhizium anisopliae:
Enzyme: Chitinase, Protease
Function: Similar to Beauveria bassiana, these enzymes break down the insect exoskeleton, allowing the fungus to infect and kill the insect.
Pseudomonas fluorescens:
Enzyme: Siderophores, Antibiotics
Function: Produces antibiotics and siderophores that inhibit the growth of plant pathogens.
Trichoderma harzianum:
Enzyme: Chitinase, Glucanase
Function: These enzymes degrade the cell walls of fungal pathogens, providing biocontrol against various plant diseases.
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Dairy Industry and Farm
Lactobacillus bulgaricus:
Enzyme: Lactase
Function: Breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, aiding in the production of lactose-free dairy products.
Streptococcus thermophilus:
Enzyme: Protease
Function: Hydrolyzes proteins, which is essential in cheese production and yogurt fermentation.
Rhizomucor miehei:( Not Available at present)
Enzyme: Rennet (Chymosin)
Function: Coagulates milk, which is crucial for cheese making.
Aspergillus oryzae:
Enzyme: Lipase
Function: Enhances the ripening of cheeses like Roquefort by breaking down fats.
Bacillus subtilis:
Enzyme: Amylase
Function: Breaks down starches into simpler sugars, which can be used in various dairy processes
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Animal husbandry
Ruminococcus albus:
Enzyme: Cellulase
Function: Breaks down cellulose in the rumen of ruminants, aiding in the digestion of fibrous plant material.
Bacteroides succinogenes: (Not available with us at present)
Enzyme: Xylanase
Function: Degrades hemicellulose, another component of plant cell walls, enhancing fiber digestion in ruminants.
Lactobacillus acidophilus:
Enzyme: Lactase
Function: Improves gut health by breaking down lactose, beneficial for pets and large animals with lactose intolerance.
Aspergillus oryzae:
Enzyme: Amylase
Function: Enhances starch digestion in livestock feed, improving nutrient absorption.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae:
Enzyme: Beta-glucanase
Function: Enhances fiber digestion and improves gut health in ruminants and large animals
Microbes that are beneficial for maintaining water quality, nutrition, biosecurity, and healthcare in aquaculture:
Maintaining Water Quality
Nitrosomonas spp.:
Function: Converts ammonia (NH₃) to nitrite (NO₂⁻), which is less toxic to aquatic animals.
Nitrobacter spp.:
Function: Converts nitrite (NO₂⁻) to nitrate (NO₃⁻), which is even less toxic and can be used by plants in aquaponic systems.
Bacillus spp.:
Function: Degrades organic matter, reducing sludge and improving water clarity.
Nutrition
Lactobacillus plantarum :
Function: Enhances gut health and nutrient absorption in aquatic animals.Boosts the immune system. Inactivates many pathogens including Virus
Saccharomyces cerevisiae:
Function: Provides essential vitamins and improves feed efficiency.
Spirulina spp. And other bentic algae:
Function: Rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, serving as a nutritious feed supplement.
Biosecurity and Healthcare
Pseudomonas fluorescens:
Function: Produces antibiotics and siderophores that inhibit pathogenic bacteria.
Bacillus subtilis:
Function: Produces antimicrobial compounds that protect against pathogens.
Vibrio alginolyticus: ( Not available with us)
Function: Used in probiotics to enhance the immune response and disease resistance in aquatic animals.
Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pediococcus acidilactici
Function: Enhances gut health and nutrient absorption in aquatic animals.Boosts the immune system.
Paracoccus pantotrophus
Function: Toxin degradation, Antioxidant Production, Disease resistance
Biofloc Technology
Biofloc technology (BFT) is an emerging method that utilizes beneficial microbes to maintain water quality and provide nutrition. In this system, microbial communities convert waste products into microbial biomass, which can be consumed by the aquatic animals.
Microbes Involved: Various species of bacteria, algae, and protozoa.
Function: Recycle nutrients, reduce the need for water exchange, and improve overall health and growth of aquatic animals
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Bakeries
Aspergillus oryzae:
Enzyme: Amylase
Role: Breaks down starches into sugars, enhancing fermentation and improving dough handling and bread volume.
Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis:(We do not have)
Enzyme: Phytase
Role: Degrades phytic acid, improving mineral bioavailability and dough properties in sourdough bread.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Enzyme: Invertase
Role: Converts sucrose into glucose and fructose, aiding in fermentation and contributing to the sweetness and texture of baked goods.
Bacillus subtilis:
Enzyme: Protease
Role: Breaks down proteins, improving dough elasticity and extensibility
Specific Microbe and the enzyme secreted that are used in Detergents
Bacillus licheniformis:
Enzyme: Protease (Subtilisin)
Role: Breaks down protein-based stains such as blood, egg, and grass.
Pseudomonas fluorescens:
Enzyme: Lipase
Role: Degrades fat-based stains like oils and grease.
Aspergillus niger:
Enzyme: Amylase
Role: Breaks down starch-based stains from foods like pasta and potatoes.
Trichoderma reesei:
Enzyme: Cellulase
Role: Helps in fabric care by removing microfibrils from cotton, thus preventing graying and maintaining fabric softness.
Novel microbes useful for Well being
Akkermansia muciniphila:
Benefits: This microbe is known for its role in maintaining gut health by degrading mucin and promoting a healthy gut barrier. It has been linked to improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii:
Benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this microbe produces butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and has been associated with reduced risk of inflammatory diseases.
Bifidobacterium longum:
Benefits: This probiotic is known for its ability to improve digestion, enhance immune function, and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Lactobacillus reuteri:
Benefits: This strain has been shown to improve gut health, enhance immune response, and even support skin health by reducing inflammation.
Roseburia intestinalis: (Not with us)
Benefits: Another butyrate-producing bacterium, it plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved metabolic health
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron:(Under Process)
Role: This species is proficient in breaking down complex carbohydrates into simpler molecules that can be absorbed by the host. It produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and butyrate, which are vital for gut health and energy production1.
Bacteroides fragilis:(Under Process)
Role: Known for its ability to modulate the immune system, B. fragilis produces polysaccharide A, which helps in maintaining immune balance and reducing inflammation.
Bacteroides vulgatus:(Not with us)
Role: This species is involved in the fermentation of dietary fibers, producing SCFAs that support gut barrier function and overall gut health.
Prevotella copri (a member of the Bacteroidetes phylum):(Not with us)
Role: Associated with the metabolism of complex carbohydrates, P. copri helps in the production of SCFAs and has been linked to improved glucose metabolism
Novel microbes useful in Antiaging
For Skin Care
Lactobacillus spp. (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus)
Function: These probiotics can help maintain the skin's natural barrier, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation. They are known to balance the skin microbiome, which can be beneficial for conditions like acne and eczema.
Bifidobacterium spp. (e.g., Bifidobacterium bifidum)
Function: Similar to Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium strains help to enhance the skin barrier, support moisture retention, and reduce redness and irritation.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast)
Function: This yeast is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It helps to improve skin texture, diminish signs of aging, and provide a brightening effect.
Propionibacterium acnes (recently renamed Cutibacterium acnes)
Function: While commonly associated with acne, certain strains can be beneficial in small concentrations, helping to maintain a balanced skin microbiome and reduce inflammation.
Streptococcus thermophilus
Function: Often used in skincare for its moisturizing and soothing properties, this bacterium helps improve skin hydration and barrier function.
For Hair Care
Bacillus ferment (e.g., Bacillus subtilis)
Function: Used for its enzymatic exfoliation properties, which help to remove dead skin cells from the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing dandruff.
Lactobacillus spp. (e.g., Lactobacillus plantarum)
Function: In hair care, these probiotics can help to balance the scalp microbiome, reduce dandruff, and improve overall scalp health.
Bifidobacterium spp. (e.g., Bifidobacterium longum)
Function: Similar to their effects on skin, these bacteria can improve scalp health and hydration, potentially enhancing hair quality.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast)
Function: In hair care, it helps to strengthen hair follicles, improve hair texture, and add shine due to its rich content of vitamins and amino acids.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Function: Used in hair care products for its potential to support a healthy scalp environment and strengthen hair roots.
Novel microbes useful in Sugar Mills and at farm level
In Sugar Mills
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yeast)
Function: Commonly used in fermentation processes to convert sugars into ethanol. In sugar mills, yeast is crucial for bioethanol production from sugarcane or sugar beet.
Bacillus subtilis
Function: Used for producing enzymes such as amylase and protease that aid in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and proteins during the sugar extraction process.
Acetobacter aceti
Function: This bacterium is used in the production of vinegar, which can be an important by-product in sugar mills. It helps convert ethanol into acetic acid.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Function: Employed in the fermentation of sugar-rich materials to improve the quality and yield of by-products. It can also help in controlling unwanted microbial growth during sugar production.
Pseudomonas putida
Function: Used for its ability to degrade various organic compounds. In sugar mills, it can help in treating waste by breaking down complex organic matter in the effluents.
At Farm Level
Rhizobium leguminosarum
Function: Forms symbiotic relationships with legumes, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which enhances soil fertility and promotes crop growth.
Bacillus thuringiensis
Function: A biopesticide that produces proteins toxic to certain insect larvae. It is used to protect crops from pests without harming beneficial insects.
Azotobacter chroococcum
Function: A free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium that enhances soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and making it available to plants.
Trichoderma harzianum
Function: A beneficial fungus used as a biocontrol agent to protect plants from soil-borne pathogens and enhance plant growth.
Mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., Glomus spp.)
Function: Forms symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient and water uptake, and enhancing plant growth and resistance to diseases.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Function: Used in silage fermentation, this bacterium helps preserve forage and improve its nutritional quality by fermenting plant materials.
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Function: Acts as a biocontrol agent to suppress plant pathogens and enhance plant growth through the production of growth-promoting substances.
Novel microbes useful in Biogas generation
1. Methanogens
Methanosaeta thermophila (formerly Methanothrix thermophila) (not with us at present)
Function: These archaea are key players in the final step of anaerobic digestion, where they produce methane from acetate.
Methanobacterium formicicum (not with us at present)
Function: Involved in the conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane.
Methanosarcina acetivorans (not with us at present)
Function: Capable of methane production from both acetate and hydrogen, making it versatile in biogas production.
2. Hydrolytic Bacteria
Bacteroides succinogenes (not with us at present)
Function: Specializes in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars and organic acids, which are essential for further microbial processes in biogas production.
Clostridium cellulolyticum
Function: Effective in degrading cellulose and hemicellulose, contributing to the initial stages of organic matter breakdown.
3. Acidogens
Clostridium butyricum
Function: Converts carbohydrates and proteins into butyrate, acetate, and hydrogen, which are intermediate products in the anaerobic digestion process.
Fusobacterium necrophorum (not with us at present)
Function: Plays a role in the fermentation of proteins and the production of short-chain fatty acids.
4. Syntrophic Bacteria
Syntrophomonas wolfei (not with us at present)
Function: Engages in syntrophic interactions with methanogens to degrade fatty acids and alcohols, contributing to the overall efficiency of methane production.
Syntrophobacter fumaroxidans (not with us at present)
Function: Works in collaboration with methanogens to degrade propionate and other intermediates.
5. Other Key Microbes
Bacillus licheniformis
Function: Known for its ability to produce enzymes that aid in the breakdown of organic materials during the anaerobic digestion process.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Function: Involved in the fermentation of plant materials, helping to prepare the feedstock for anaerobic digestion.
Novel and Emerging Microbes
Methanomicrobium mobile (not with us at present)
Function: Recently identified as a highly efficient methanogen that can thrive in varied conditions, potentially enhancing biogas production in diverse environments.
Methanoculleus bourgensis
Function: An emerging methanogen with a unique ability to produce methane from a variety of substrates, which could be beneficial in optimizing biogas production.
Larvicidal microbes
1. Bacteria
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Strains:
Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti): Effective against mosquito larvae.
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk): Targets lepidopteran larvae (e.g., caterpillars).
Bacillus thuringiensis var. aizawai: Another strain effective against lepidopteran larvae.
Function: Produces endotoxins (Cry proteins) that are toxic to insect larvae when ingested, causing larvae to stop feeding and eventually die.
Bacillus sphaericus
Function: Effective against mosquito larvae, particularly in stagnant water. Produces toxins that impair the larvae’s ability to regulate their growth and development.
Bacillus cereus
Function: Some strains produce toxins that are effective against certain larval pests, though it is less commonly used compared to Bti and Btk.
2. Fungi
Beauveria bassiana
Function: A entomopathogenic fungus that infects and kills a wide range of insect larvae by penetrating their exoskeleton and causing internal infection.
Metarhizium anisopliae
Function: Another entomopathogenic fungus that infects and kills larvae by producing spores that adhere to the insect’s cuticle, leading to systemic infection.
Nomuraea rileyi
Function: Infects and kills various larval pests by producing fungal spores that pe*****te the larvae’s body, causing disease.
Verticillium lecanii
It infects insects by attaching to their exoskeleton. The fungal spores germinate, pe*****te the insect's body, and then proliferate inside, causing death. The infected insects become covered in fungal spores, which can then infect other insects.
microbes that are useful as Organic Acidifier
Lactic Acid
Lactobacillus spp. (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum)
Function: Produce lactic acid from carbohydrates. Widely used in food fermentation (e.g., yogurt, sauerkraut) and animal feed to lower pH and inhibit spoilage organisms.
Pediococcus spp. (e.g., Pediococcus acidilactici)
Function: Produce lactic acid and are used in the fermentation of vegetables and meats, as well as in silage to improve preservation.
Leuconostoc spp. (e.g., Leuconostoc mesenteroides)
Function: Produce lactic acid and other organic acids during fermentation, particularly in sauerkraut and kimchi.
2. Acetic Acid
Acetobacter spp. (e.g., Acetobacter aceti)
Function: Convert ethanol into acetic acid, used in vinegar production and as a natural preservative.
Gluconobacter spp. (e.g., Gluconobacter oxydans)
Function: Produce acetic acid and gluconic acid, used in industrial processes and as an acidifier in various applications.
3. Propionic Acid
Propionibacterium spp. (e.g., Propionibacterium freudenreichii)
Function: Produce propionic acid, used in cheese production (e.g., Swiss cheese) and for acidifying dairy products.
4. Citric Acid
Citrobacter freundii
Microbes that can help in removing colour from wastewaters like that of Textiles
Fungi: Fungi like Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Trametes versicolor produce enzymes such as laccases and peroxidases, which can break down complex dye molecules.
Algae: Microalgae, including Chlorella and Scenedesmus, can absorb and degrade dyes, making them useful in bioremediation.
Microbes that can Coagulate/flocculate Suspended solids in wastewaters
Bacteria:
Bacillus subtilis: Produces extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that help in the aggregation of suspended particles.
Fungi:
Aspergillus niger: Produces bioflocculants that can effectively aggregate suspended solids.
Penicillium chrysogenum: Another fungal species that produces bioflocculants useful in wastewater treatment.
Algae:
Chlorella vulgaris: This microalga is known for its bioflocculant properties, helping in the removal of suspended solids
Microbes that help in removing Fowl Odour
Bacteria:
Bacillus subtilis: Known for its ability to degrade organic matter and reduce odors by breaking down malodorous compounds.
Pseudomonas putida: Effective in degrading volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to foul odors.
Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB):
Nitrosomonas europaea: This bacterium oxidizes ammonia to nitrite, reducing the concentration of ammonia and thereby mitigating its associated odors1.
Nitrosospira: Another effective AOB that helps in the conversion of ammonia to nitrite, contributing to odor control.
Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB):
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans: This bacterium reduces sulfate to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) under anaerobic conditions. While H₂S itself is odorous, the controlled reduction process can be managed to minimize odor release.
Desulfotomaculum: Another genus of SRB that plays a role in reducing sulfate to sulfide, which can then be further processed to reduce odors.
Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria (SOB):
Thiobacillus thioparus: This bacterium oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to sulfate, effectively reducing the concentration of odorous H₂S in wastewater.
Beggiatoa: Known for its ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, helping to control odors in wastewater treatment systems.
Combined Processes:
In many waste management systems, a combination of SRB and SOB is used to balance the reduction and oxidation of sulfur compounds. This helps in minimizing the release of odorous compounds like hydrogen sulfide.
Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea (AOA):
Nitrosopumilus maritimus: Found in marine environments, this archaeon oxidizes ammonia efficiently, helping to control odors in wastewater treatment.
Nitrososphaera viennensis: Common in soil, this archaeon also plays a role in reducing ammonia levels and associated odors2.
Complete Ammonia Oxidizers (Comammox):
Nitrospira inopinata: This microorganism can oxidize ammonia directly to nitrate, effectively reducing ammonia concentrations and controlling odors
Fungi:
Aspergillus niger: This fungus can help in breaking down organic matter, thereby reducing odor.
Trichoderma viride: Known for its ability to decompose organic waste and mitigate odors
