Isolation and Purification of a New Bacillus Subtilis Strain from Deer Dung with Anti-microbial and Anti-cancer Activities

Objective Bacillus strains are well known for their natural bioactive products that have antimicrobial and/or anti-cancer activities. Many of Bacillus ’ structurally unique metabolites can combat human diseases, including cancers. However, because Bacillus’ metabolites are so abundant, few have been studied extensively enough to fully characterize their chemical constitutions and biological functions. Methods In this study, we focused on the isolation and purification of a new Bacillus strain, and determined the effects of its metabolites on bacteria and cancer cells. Our study focused on a new strain of Bacillus isolated from deer dung. Based on BLAST results, this isolate belongs to Bacillus subtilis , and therefore we named the strain Bacillus subtilis NC16. Congo red assay was used to test the cellulase activity. The inhibition zone was measured to test the antimicrobial activity. CCK-8, wound healing and flow cytometry were used to test the anti-cancer activity. Results Metabolites from Bacillus subtilis NC16 have both antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. They can both suppress the growth of Trichoderma vride and Staphylococcus aureus , and inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. Conclusion Our results suggest that Bacillus subtilis NC16 can not only degrade cellulose, but its metabolites may be sources of antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs.