Bacteria from Baijiu: A New Discovery in Fermented Grains

Scientists recently found a fascinating bacterial strain, REN37 T , hidden away in fermented grains used to make Baijiu, a popular Chinese liquor. This tiny critter, known for its ability to thrive in temperatures between 32-37°C and a slightly salty environment, was identified as a new member of the Isoalcanivorax family. Its closest relative? Another bacterium called Isoalcanivorax pacificus, but they only share about 96. 1% similar DNA. These bacteria are not your average party crashers. They're Gram-negative and aerobic, meaning they need oxygen to survive. They don't have any flagella, so they can't swim around, but they've got some interesting lipids and menaquinones that help them survive. Their fatty acid profile includes a mix of C15:0 anteiso, C 16:0 iso, and C 17:0 anteiso, making them unique. What's really cool is that these bacteria have three special genes called alkane 1-monooxygenase, which hint at their ability to break down oil. This makes them potential heroes in fighting environmental pollution. After examining the DNA, scientists realized that REN37 T is a brand new species. They gave it the name Isoalcanivorax beigongshangi. You can find the type strain at the Guangdong Microbial Culture Collection Center (GDMCC 1. 3120 T ) or the Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM 35319 T ).