Abstract

The genus Bacillus is a group of rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria known for their vast potential of the production of antibiotics. This review examines the potentials of various Bacillus species in the production of antibiotics. There is a global threat of antimicrobial resistance and have spurred the need in scientific research for novel antibiotics and Bacillus species offers a ray of hope in the discovery of novel antibiotics. Notable among the antibiotics produced by Bacillus species include fengycin, gramicidin, iturin, polymyxin, subtilin, difficidin, surfactin, megacin, lichenysin, bacitracin, cerein, pumilicin, circulin, each with greater stability and wide spectrum of activity against gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria, fungi. This review highlights the various Bacillus species with antibiotics producing abilities such as B. subtilis, B. polymyxa, B. cereus, B. pumilus, B. megaterium, B. circulans, the antibiotics produced by these Bacillus species, mechanisms of actions of these antibiotics, potential application in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and industry. Bacillus species with antibiotics producing potentials can be applied in combatting the threat posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens as well as multi-drug-resistant pathogens.