Exploring the antimicrobial potential of two haloarchaeal strains belonging to the genera and isolated from the Algerian Sahara.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Halophilic archaea commonly produce antimicrobial peptides (halocins), but only a few studies have been conducted on these molecules. This study explores the antimicrobial potential of two strains belonging to and genera, isolated from hypersaline environments in the Algerian Sahara. Antimicrobial compounds produced by these genera have rarely been studied before.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antimicrobial activity of the strains was evaluated, along with the effects of UV radiation and culture conditions on growth and compound production. Stability assays and the effects of extracted compounds on target cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were assessed.

RESULTS

The strains exhibited high anti-archaeal activities and cross-domain interactions. Producing extracellular compounds associated with halocin, in the cell-free supernatant (CFS). These compounds remained stable at different temperatures (4°C, 60°C, 80°C, and 100°C) and different pH ranges (4-10 and 5-11), with antimicrobial profiles changed in response to UV light. The active compounds resembled known halocins but displayed unique features suggesting the discovery of new halocins. Additionally, extracts showed significant activity against PBMC.

CONCLUSION

This investigation confirms that Algerian saline soils are a promising source of interesting antimicrobial compounds.