Kerala has formally designated Bacillus subtilis as its state microbe, a symbolic and practical step to promote the potential of beneficial microorganisms for sustainable health care, food security, environmental protection and climate resilience. The choice reflects work at the new Centre of Excellence in Microbiome, whose director, Sabu Thomas, described the microbe's varied applications.
Bacillus subtilis is a common Gram-positive, spore-forming soil bacterium that forms resistant endospores to survive harsh conditions. In medicine and nutrition it is used increasingly as a probiotic to support gut microbiota, enhance immunity and generate antimicrobial compounds; certain strains supply digestive enzymes and can produce vitamin K2. In agriculture B. subtilis functions as a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, producing phytohormones, improving phosphate uptake and suppressing pathogens, thus supporting crop productivity.
Environmental uses include biodegradation of waste, composting, production of biosurfactants that can replace some chemical inputs, wastewater treatment and practical applications such as sealing concrete cracks. The global market for B. subtilis products was valued at US$87.66 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$165.9 million by 2033. In India the market is growing under supportive government policies, with use in biofertilisers, biocontrol agents and as probiotic additives for poultry and aquaculture.
The Centre aims to identify and characterise beneficial microbes, develop microbiome-based products, build regional databases, reduce dependence on chemicals and translate research into scalable solutions. It runs training and incubation programmes, supports three microbiome startups and has begun early discussions with international partners on joint research, bioinformatics and grants. Its translational work focuses on affordable, locally adaptable solutions for low- and middle-income countries, and a microbiome policy is under development.
Difficult words
- designate — formally give an official title or statusdesignated
- endospore — dormant resistant cell produced by some bacteriaendospores
- probiotic — live microorganisms given to improve host gut health
- rhizobacterium — bacterium living near plant roots that helps growth
- biosurfactant — natural compound that reduces surface tension in waterbiosurfactants
- biodegradation — breakdown of materials by living organisms
- resilience — ability to adapt or recover from difficult conditions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What benefits and risks might appear if more farms use B. subtilis products instead of chemical inputs? Give reasons from the article.
- How could a microbiome policy help low- and middle-income countries, according to the Centre’s goals described here?
- Which practical application of B. subtilis mentioned in the article seems most useful in your region, and why?
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