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Research Article

Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

[version 1; peer review: 2 approved]
PUBLISHED 21 Dec 2020
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Abstract

Background: Disease causing bacteria such as Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa present a problem for fish farming. Treatment to remove them are generally carried out using antibiotics which have side effects on fish, the environment and humans. However, the use of antibacterial compounds derived from heterotrophic bacteria serve as a good alternative for antibiotics. Therefore, this study aimed to explore antibacterial activity in the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Methods: Heterotrophic bacteria namely Bacillus sp. JS04 MT102913.1, Bacillus toyonensis JS08 MT102920.1, Bacillus cereus JS10 MT102922.1, Bacillus sp. JS11 MT102923.1, Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS19 MT102924.1, Bacillus cereus JS22 MT102926.1, and Bacillus sp. strain JS25 MT102927.1 were used in this study. The sequences of these bacteria have been deposited and are available from NCBI GenBank. Each heterotrophic bacterium was cultured on 6L nutrient broth for 8 days, and extracts produced using ethyl acetate to obtain their secondary metabolites. These extracts were tested for their phytochemical contents using FT-IR and also tested for their inhibitory property in pathogenic bacteria by agar diffusion method.
Results: Phytochemical test results showed that the seven heterotrophic bacterial isolates produced terpenoid compounds. Based on the inhibitory test, the secondary metabolite extracts from Bacillus sp strain JS04 had the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of pathogenic bacteria namely, V. alginolyticus (17.5 mm), A. hydrophila (16.8 mm), and P. aeruginosa (17.3 mm).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria inhibit the growth of V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa.

Keywords

antibacterial, fish pathogens, heterotrophic bacteria, secondary metabolites

Introduction

Bacteria diseases in fish stocks constitute a major problem for fish farming, since they cause significant economic losses13. Common pathogenic bacteria that affect fish include Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa49. V. alginolyticus is a gram-negative bacteria which is an opportunistic pathogen in marine animals1013. Bacterial diseases cause different fish infections such as, exophthalmia, ulcers, septicemia, and corneal damage1416. Aeromonas hydrophila is found to be the main cause of the septicemia epidemic in freshwater fish17,18. Its outbreak causes tissue damage of the spleen, gills, and the fish's stomach19. A. hydrophila is found to frequently infect various fish species namely, catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)20, carp (Cyprinus carpio) and catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)21, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)22, salmon (Oncorhynchus masou masou)23, snapper (Lates calcarifer)24, striped snakehead (Channa striata)25, cod (Gadus macrocephalus), and tank goby (Glossogobius guris)26. Meanwhile, P. aeruginosa is found to infect freshwater and marine fish27,28, with infection being characterized by the expression of red spots due to bleeding, skin darkens, loose scales, protruding eyes, fin erosion29, behavioural changes due to disruption of locomotor activity30, and abnormal swimming31.

Bacteria disease treatment is generally carried out using antibiotics, however, these can have adverse effects on the fish and their environment3237. The accumulation of antibiotics in the fish increase the risk of bacterial resistance38,39. Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from the digestive organs of catfish showed high resistance levels towards tetracycline, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol40. Therefore, it is necessary to explore natural compounds with antibacterial activity41. Sea water is a potential source of heterotrophic bacteria that produce antimicrobial compound42, and have probiotic activity43

Sea bacteria such as, Bacillus sp. B. cereus, B. toyonensis, and Pseudoalteromonas sp., are known to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria namely, V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and Pseudomonas sp43. They also produce antimicrobial compounds such as, Pseudoalteromonas44. Pseudoalteromonas piscicida produces antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of different pathogenic bacteria namely, Vibrio vulniosis45, Bacillus sp46, B. pumilus47, and B. subtilis48,49. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens shows antibacterial activity towards pathogenic bacteria such as, Aeromonas hydrophila, Vibrio harveyi, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus50. Meanwhile, Bacillus subtilis shows antibacterial activity towards the pathogens Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and Aeromonas hydrophila51.

Heterotrophic bacteria extracted from Riau sea waters were examined and found to able to inhibit the activity of pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida, Edwarsiela tarda and Edwarsiela ictaluri as previously reported by Setiaji et al.52. However, the antibacterial activity of these heterotrophic bacteria extracted from Riau sea waters on the pathogenic bacterial namely, Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginos have never been examined for its potential against pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this study aims to explore antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from Riau sea water, against pathogenic bacteria namely, V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa.

Methods

Bacterial culture

The heterotrophic bacteria isolates were collected from sea waters in Sungai Pakning Bengkalis Regency Riau Province Indonesia (North latitude 01o21’36,8” and East longitude 102o09’34,1”). 1 liter of the sea water was collected at 50 cm depth by using a water sampler (Tiolan Lab, type: WSV-BIT22), then was transferred into a sample bottle and was put into a coolbox filled with ice at 15°C, before being transported by car for 1 hour to the laboratory. The heterotrophic bacteria was cultured using nutrient Agar (NA; Merck-1.05450.0500). The heterotrophic bacteria cultured were used for an antagonist test against pathogen bacteria. The antagonist test procedure is as follows, 1 ml of pathogenic inoculants (OD 600nm = 0.08–0.1) (OD measured with Thermo scientific, Genesys 10S UV-Vis) was added to 15 ml liquid nutrient Agar media at 50ºC, then homogenized, and poured into a petri dish to solidify. Furthermore, Oxytetracycline antibiotic disc paper (Oxoid, CT0041B, OT30 mcg) was used as the positive control, while 30 µl aquades (Kimiapedia id-1720602804) was dripped to a disc paper (Macherey-nagel, MN827 ATD) as the negative control. 30 µl heterotrophic bacterial isolate taken from bacteria culture in nutrient Broth (NB; Merck-1.05443.0500) was dripped to a disc paper and incubated at 30°C for 24 hours. The inhibitory power of heterotrophic bacterial isolate was measured from the diameter of clear zone formed around the disc. From the antagonist test, eight isolates with the best inhibition were collected, and the heterotrophic bacteria was identified using 16S rDNA technique43. The sequenced products were run through BLAST (NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) and registered to GenBank.

The pathogenic bacteria were obtained from the collection at the Marine Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Riau, Indonesia. The heterotrophic and pathogenic bacteria were cultured on the nutrient Agar (NA; Merck-1.05450.0500). The cultured medium was sterilized in an autoclave at a pressure of 15 psi and 121°C for 15 minutes. After 1 hour at room temperature, the medium was inoculated by the heterotrophic bacteria and the pathogenic bacteria. Then the bacteria were incubated in an incubator (Memmert, Model 30–1060) at 30°C for 24 hours.

Isolates test

Previous studies showed that eight heterotrophic bacterial isolates possessed the potential to produce pathogens. Seven of these species were used in this study namely, Bacillus sp. JS04 MT102913.1, Bacillus toyonensis JS08 MT102920.1, Bacillus cereus JS10 MT102922.1, Bacillus sp. JS11 MT102923.1, Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS19 MT102924.1, Bacillus cereus JS22 MT102926.1 and Bacillus sp. strain JS25 MT102927.1 have been deposited in GenBank.

Then, each bacterium was cultured in a 6 L nutrient Broth (NB; Merck-1.05443.0500) diluted with sea water of salinity 29 ppt and aerated for 8 days. After this, the bacteria were mixed with ethyl acetate (P.a) at ratio 1:1 and shaken vigorously to homogenize. Subsequent filtering was performed until a clear filtrate was obtained using funnel and filter paper (Whatman 41, no. 1441–125), and evaporated with a rotary evaporator (Cole Parmer, N-1300) at 50°C and a speed of 50 rpm. This allowed thick secondary metabolite extracts to be obtained53.

Phytochemical test and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)

Phytochemical test was conducted on the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria, which included tests for alkaloid, terpenoid, flavonoid, phenolic, and saponin compounds54.

Mayer reagent was prepared by adding 1.36 g HgCl2 (Merck, 1.04419. 0050) to 60 mL distillled water and 5 g Ki (Meck 1.05043.1000) to 10 mL distilled water. Both solutions were then mixed with a further 20 mL distilled water. The Liebermen – burchad reagent was prepared by mixing 97% H2SO4 (Merck 1.00731.2500) and 100% CH3COOH (Merck 1.00063.2500).

Alkaloids were tested for using using 10 mg heterotrophic bacteria extract and 250 µL Mayer reagent.

The terpenoid was tested using 10 mg heterotrophic bacteria extract, 10 drops of CH3COOH, and 3 drops of H2SO4.

Flavonoid tests were performed using 10 mg heterotrophic bacteria extract added to 5 mL distilled water. This was then boiled before adding 0.05 g Mg (Merck 1.05815.1000) and 10 drops of 37% HCl (Merck 1.00317. 2500), the mixture was then shaken for one minute.

Phenolic compounds were tested by using 10 mg heterotrophic bacteria extract combined with 500 µL 5% FeCl3 (Merck 1.03943.0250).

Saponin compounds were tested for using 10 mg heterotrophic bacteria extract added to 5 mL distilled water which was then shaken for 1 minute. 150 µL 1N HCl (Merck 1.00317. 2500) was then added, and shaken for another minute.

A positive alkaloid test was indicated by the formation of a white precipitate after adding Mayer regent. A positive terpenoid test was indicated by the formation of a red colour. A positive flavonoid test was indicated by a red colour change. Phenolic compounds were indicated by a blue colour change. Saponin compounds were indicated by a foam forming.

Meanwhile, to determine the functional groups in secondary metabolite extracts, FT-IR (Shimadzu, IR prestige-21, IR solution software ver. 1.1) spectroscopy analysis was performed. This was conducted by crushing 1 mg of each extract, added to KBr (Merck-1.04950.0500), and mixed vigorously until homogenized. This mixture was then measured for infrared absorbance at 4500–450 cm wavelength.

Inhibitory activity of heterotrophic bacterial extract

The secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria obtained were tested on pathogenic bacteria namely, V. algynolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa using agar diffusion method, and 6 mm disc paper (Macherey-nagel, MN827 ATD)55. The procedure is as follows, 1 ml of pathogenic inoculants (OD 600nm = 0.08–0.1) (OD measured with Thermo scientific, Genesys 10S UV-Vis) added to 15 ml liquid nutrient agar media at 50°C, then homogenized, and poured into a petri dish to solidify. Furthermore, Oxytetracycline antibiotic disc paper (Oxoid, CT0041B, OT30 mcg) was used as the positive control, while methanol disc paper was the negative control. The metabolite extracts were then dissolved in 1 mg / mL methanol (P.a) and incubated at 30°C for 24 hours. The inhibitory power of heterotrophic bacterial extracts was measured from the diameter of clear zone formed around the disc.

Data analysis

The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance followed by the Post Hoc Tukey multiple range test using R 4.0 software (GNU General Public License), p<0.05 is considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

Results

Phytochemical test and functional groups

Phytochemical test results of the metabolite extracts when added to Lieberman-Burchard reagents produced a red colour indicating the presence of terpenoids in the seven isolates. Meanwhile, the test for alkaloid, flavonoid, phenolic, and saponin compounds gave negative results.

Based on infrared spectrum analysis, the secondary metabolite extracts of Bacillus sp. strain JS04 contained O-H alcohol, C-H aldehyde, O-H carboxylic acid, and C=C alkene groups. Bacillus toyonensis JS08 contained C-H alkanes, C=N nitriles, C=O carbonyl, and C-N amine groups. Bacillus cereus JS10 contained C-H alkanes, O-H carboxylic acid, C=C alkenes, and C-H alkanes groups. Bacillus sp. JS11 contained O-H alcohol, C-H alkanes, O-H carboxylic acids, and C=O carbonyl groups. Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS19 contained alcohol O-H, C-H alkanes, C=O carbonyl, and C=C alkenes groups. Bacillus cereus JS22 contain O-H alcohol, C-H alkane, C=O carbonyl, and C=C alkene groups. Bacillus sp. JS25 contain C-H alkanes, O-H carboxylic acids, O-H alcohols, and C=C alkenes groups (Table 156).

Table 1. Infrared spectrum of secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria.

Secondary metabolite extractsSpectrum (cm-1)Functional groups
Bacillus sp. strain JS043148
2732
2535
827
O-H
C-H
O-H
C=C
Bacillus toyonensis strain JS082925
2361
1722
1229
C-H
C=N
C=O
C-N
Bacillus cereus strain JS102925
2735
1669
1459
C-H
O-H
C=C
C-H
Bacillus sp. strain JS113330
2925
2527
1721
O-H
C-H
O-H
C=O
Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain JS192930
2732
1720
1455
C-H
O-H
C=O
C-H
Bacillus cereus strain JS223567
2925
1710
827
O-H
C-H
C=O
C=C
Bacillus sp. strain JS252895
2602
1364
830
C-H
O-H
O-H
C=C

Inhibitory activity

The results showed that the seven heterotrophic bacterial isolates inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The extracts inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria are shown in Table 256. The average inhibition zone diameter of the extracts against pathogenic bacteria namely, V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa ranges from 9.3 to 17.5 mm, 9.3 to 16.8 mm, and 8.5 to 17.3 mm, respectively. This inhibitory zone activity was indicated by the presence of clear zones formed around the disc paper. The largest inhibition zone diameter of the extracts against the growth of pathogenic bacteria was derived from isolates of Bacillus sp. strain JS04 (17.5 mm) on V. alginolyticus, 17.3 mm on P. aeruginosa, and 16.8 mm on A. hydrophila.

Table 2. Inhibitory activity in the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against pathogenic bacteria.

Mean values with different superscripts in the same columns were significantly different (p < 0.05).

Secondary metabolite extractsAverage of inhibition zone diameter (mm)
V. alginolyticusA. hydrophilaP. aeruginosa
Bacillus sp. strain JS0417.5a16.8a17.3a
Bacillus toyonensis strain JS0811.0b9.5b10.0b
Bacillus cereus strain JS1010.8b8.5b9.5b
Bacillus sp. strain JS1110.8b9.0b9.5b
Pseudoalteromonas sp. strain JS1910.8b9.8b9.8b
Bacillus cereus strain JS229.3b9.3b8.5b
Bacillus sp. strain JS2515.8a15.5a16.3a

Discussion

Phytochemical test results showed that the seven heterotrophic bacterial isolates produced terpenoids, which consist 5 carbon atoms or isoprene (C5) units. Microbes carry out biosynthesis by producing isopentyl pyrophosphate and dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate for terpenoid formation57. A significant relationship between terpenoids gene expression and isoprene production in Bacillus subtilis has previously been reported58.

Infrared spectrum analysis provided information about the detected compounds in the mixture59. Metabolite extracts showed the presence of hydroxyl, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, alkene, alkane, carbonyl, and amine functional groups in these extracts. This indicated that the seven bacterial isolates produced terpenoids, while the functional groups contained in the terpenoids were namely, O-H hydroxyl, C-H aliphatic, carbonyl, C-H cyclic, and carboxylic acid60.

The result of inhibitory activity in the secondary metabolite extracts of Bacillus sp. strain JS04 showed the largest inhibition zone against the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The formation of clear zones on culture media indicated that heterotrophic bacteria produced terpenoid compounds for antibacterial purposes.

The terpenoid compounds contained several phytochemicals that possess antimicrobial activity61. For example, Terpenes and terpenoids have been reported to exert antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative62. Terpenes cause membrane disruption through acting on lipophilic compound in the membrane63. Therefore, terpenoid compounds were able to prevent the forming of biofilm cell in the bacterium Streptococcus mutans60,64.

There are many antimicrobial compounds produced by sea bacteria especially from the Bacillus and Pseudoaltreromonas genus. For instance, B. pumilus produces antimicrobial compound against V. algynolyticus, V. anguillarum, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens48. The Bacillus sp. from sea water produced chemical compound effective at preventing motility of V. Algynolyticus47. Bacillus subtilis produced antibacterial compound against Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahemolyticus pathogens49. The genus Pseudoalteromonas hosts 16 antimicrobial metabolite producers. To date, a total of 69 antimicrobial compounds are classified into alkaloids, polyketides, and peptides45. Furthermore, the bacterium Pseudoalteromonas rubra which was symbiotic with soft coral Sarcophyton sp. produced carotenoid pigments with antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus65 and V. algynolyticus pathogens66.

Conclusion

The secondary metabolite extracts produced by the seven isolates of haterotrophic bacteria can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, namely V. alginolyticus, A. hydrophila, and P. aeruginosa. The secondary metabolite extracts of Bacillus sp. strain JS04 has the highest inhibitory activity against the growth of these three pathogenic bacteria.

Data availability

Underlying data

Figshare: Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosad Item. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12818798.v356

This project contains the following underlying data:

  • - Data FT-IR activity in the secondary metabolite. Jarod Setiaji.pdf (Infrared spectrum of secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria)

  • - Data Inhibitory activity in the secondary metabolite. Jarod Setiaji.xlsx (Inhibitory activity in the secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against pathogenic bacteria)

Data are available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC-BY 4.0).

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Setiaji J, Feliatra F, Teruna HY et al. Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [version 1; peer review: 2 approved] F1000Research 2020, 9:1491 (https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.26215.1)
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ApprovedThe paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approvedFundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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Reviewer Report 26 Jan 2021
Yuhanis Mhd Bakri, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Malaysia 
Approved
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Overall the authors have presented sound article with sufficient findings. Suggestion: Title could be amended to ethyl acetate extracts instead of secondary metabolite extracts. The word inhibitory power in method of inhibitory activity shall be amended appropriately. Isolate tests subtopic ... Continue reading
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Mhd Bakri Y. Reviewer Report For: Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2020, 9:1491 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.28932.r76451)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.
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Reviewer Report 14 Jan 2021
Agung Damar Syakti, Environmental Sciences, Marine Science and Fisheries Faculty, Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH), Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia 
Approved
VIEWS 10
Evidence of Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be interesting for many applications in aquatic science.  The finding may be useful for Indonesia’s fish farming activities. The study scientifically detailed enough. However, ... Continue reading
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HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT
Syakti AD. Reviewer Report For: Antibacterial activity in secondary metabolite extracts of heterotrophic bacteria against Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000Research 2020, 9:1491 (https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.28932.r76449)
NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article.

Comments on this article Comments (0)

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VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 21 Dec 2020
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Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article:
Approved - the paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested
Approved with reservations - A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit.
Not approved - fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions
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