Komagataeibacter nataicola

General Information

Komagataeibacter nataicola is a fascinating microorganism primarily known for its ability to produce bacterial cellulose. This cellulose is of high interest due to its unique properties, such as high purity, excellent mechanical strength, and biocompatibility, making it valuable in various industrial and medical applications. One of the most intriguing aspects of K. nataicola is its role in the production of nata de coco, a popular dessert in Southeast Asia. The bacterial cellulose forms a gel-like substance that is both chewy and refreshing, showcasing the organism's ability to transform simple sugars into complex, edible materials. From a research perspective, K. nataicola is particularly valuable due to its efficient cellulose production, which can be harnessed for creating biodegradable materials, wound dressings, and even scaffolds for tissue engineering. The cellulose produced by this bacterium is also being explored for use in electronics, such as flexible displays and conductive materials, due to its high tensile strength and flexibility. Moreover, the genetic and metabolic pathways of K. nataicola are of significant interest. Understanding these pathways can lead to enhanced production methods and the development of genetically engineered strains with optimized cellulose output. This could potentially lower production costs and expand the range of applications for bacterial cellulose. In summary, Komagataeibacter nataicola stands out due to its remarkable ability to produce high-quality bacterial cellulose, its cultural significance in food production, and its potential for numerous innovative applications in biotechnology and materials science.

Komagataeibacter nataicola is a fascinating species of acetic acid bacteria known for its unique ability to produce cellulose. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable in various biotechnological applications, especially in the food industry where cellulose production can enhance the texture and stability of products. The organism thrives in environments rich in sugars, such as fruit juices, which is indicative of its ecological niche. One of the most interesting aspects of K. nataicola is its role in the fermentation process, where it contributes to the production of vinegar through the oxidation of ethanol. This not only highlights its importance in traditional fermentation practices but also opens avenues for research into optimizing vinegar production processes. Additionally, K. nataicola has garnered attention for its potential in bioremediation. Its ability to degrade various organic compounds positions it as a candidate for environmental cleanup efforts, particularly in areas contaminated with organic pollutants. The study of its metabolic pathways could lead to innovative strategies for waste management and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the cellulose produced by K. nataicola can be utilized in the development of biodegradable materials, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic. This aspect of the organism underscores its potential impact on both environmental and industrial fronts, making it a subject of significant interest in microbiological and biotechnological research.

Taxonomy

Superkingdom: Bacteria

Phylum: Pseudomonadota

Class: Alphaproteobacteria

Order: Rhodospirillales

Family: Acetobacteraceae

Genus: Komagataeibacter

Species: Komagataeibacter nataicola

NCBI ID

265960

Genome Info

FTP Path:
ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/all/GCF/002/009/295/GCF_002009295.1_ASM200929v1

File for sequence-based predictions:
GCF_002009295.1_ASM200929v1_genomic.fasta

Descriptions

Clinical Implications and Relevance

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The bacterium Komagataeibacter nataicola is a member of the genus Komagataeibacter, which is known for its ability to produce cellulose and is often associated with the production of kombucha. While not traditionally recognized as a human pathogen, its clinical relevance lies in its potential role in food safety and fermentation processes. The organism is generally considered non-pathogenic; however, its presence in fermented products raises concerns regarding contamination and foodborne illnesses if not properly managed. Furthermore, the ability of K. nataicola to produce cellulose can be harnessed in various biotechnological applications, including the development of biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Its interaction with the human microbiome, particularly in fermented foods, suggests a potential role in promoting gut health and immune modulation, although more research is needed to fully understand these implications. Overall, while K. nataicola is not directly associated with disease or antimicrobial resistance, its significance in food production and potential health benefits warrant further investigation.

Habitat and Ecological Niches

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

Komagataeibacter nataicola is a species of bacteria commonly found in various aquatic environments, particularly in freshwater ecosystems and brackish waters. This microorganism thrives in environments rich in organic matter, where it plays a crucial role in the degradation of cellulose and other polysaccharides, contributing to the nutrient cycling within these biomes. Freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and ponds provide an ideal environment for K. nataicola, where it can form biofilms on submerged surfaces. These biofilms not only serve as a habitat for the bacteria but also support a diverse community of microorganisms, enhancing the overall productivity of the ecosystem. The presence of K. nataicola in these biofilms can improve water quality by breaking down organic pollutants and facilitating the decomposition process. In brackish environments, where freshwater meets saltwater, K. nataicola exhibits remarkable adaptability. It can tolerate varying salinity levels, allowing it to thrive in estuaries and coastal regions. This adaptability is crucial for its survival and ecological function in these dynamic habitats. Furthermore, K. nataicola is known for its symbiotic relationships with other microorganisms, particularly in the context of cellulose degradation. By collaborating with fungi and other bacteria, it enhances the breakdown of plant materials, which is vital for nutrient recycling in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This symbiotic interaction underscores its importance in maintaining the health and balance of its native biomes. Overall, Komagataeibacter nataicola is an essential component of its ecological niches, contributing to the health of freshwater and brackish ecosystems through its roles in biofilm formation, organic matter degradation, and symbiotic relationships.

Industrial Application

Source: gpt-4o-mini-2024-07-18

The microorganism Komagataeibacter nataicola has shown significant potential in various industrial applications. One of the most notable areas is in biotechnology, where it is utilized for the production of cellulose through the fermentation of sugars. This cellulose can be used in the manufacture of biodegradable materials, contributing to sustainable practices in packaging and other industries. In the realm of waste management, Komagataeibacter nataicola plays a crucial role in the biodegradation of organic waste. Its ability to convert waste materials into useful products helps in reducing landfill use and promoting a circular economy. Furthermore, this microorganism is being explored for its potential in biofuel production. By utilizing its metabolic pathways, researchers are investigating how Komagataeibacter nataicola can assist in the conversion of biomass into biofuels, thus providing a renewable energy source. In pharmaceutical development, the enzymatic activities of Komagataeibacter nataicola are of interest for the production of various bioactive compounds. These compounds can serve as precursors for drug synthesis or as active ingredients in therapeutic applications. Overall, Komagataeibacter nataicola demonstrates a versatile range of applications across multiple industries, particularly in fermentation, biodegradation, and enzyme production, making it a valuable organism in the pursuit of sustainable industrial practices.

Phenotypes and Predictions

The table shows the phenotypes and predictions. Cell colors indicate the class of the value. When literature-based data is available, a checkmark (✓) indicates a correct prediction, while an ✗ indicates an incorrect prediction.

Literature-based phenotypes: 9

LLM predicted phenotypes: 3

Phenotype	High-quality annotation	google/palm-2-chat-bison-32k	mistralai/mistral-7b-instruct	anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet	anthropic/claude-3-haiku:beta	perplexity/llama-3-sonar-small-32k-chat	meta-llama/llama-3-70b-instruct:nitro	google/gemma-7b-it	google/gemini-pro	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-3.5-turbo-0125	openai/gpt-4o	openai/gpt-4o	google/gemini-pro-1.5	google/gemini-pro-1.5	openai/gpt-4	openai/gpt-4	google/gemini-flash-1.5	google/gemini-flash-1.5	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	microsoft/wizardlm-2-8x22b	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	meta-llama/llama-3-8b-instruct:nitro	openchat/openchat-7b	openchat/openchat-7b	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	mistralai/mixtral-8x7b-instruct:nitro	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct	microsoft/phi-3-mini-128k-instruct
Motility	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗
Gram staining	gram stain negative	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓	N/A	gram stain negative ✓
Aerophilicity	aerobic	aerobic ✓	aerotolerant ✗	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	aerobic ✓	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Extreme environment tolerance	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Biofilm formation	N/A	true	false	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true	true
Animal pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Biosafety level	biosafety level 1	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 2 ✗	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓	biosafety level 1 ✓
Health association	N/A	false	false	false	true	true	true	true	false	false	false	false	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	false	false	true	true	true	true
Host association	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗	true ✗
Plant pathogenicity	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	true ✗	true ✗	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Spore formation	FALSE	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓	false ✓
Hemolysis	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cell shape	N/A	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	coccus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	bacillus	coccus	coccus	bacillus	bacillus	N/A	N/A

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