Production of 2,4 di-tert-butylphenol and fatty acid compounds by thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis and evaluation as antifungal agents

During studies aimed at discovering potent antifungal compounds, two bacterial strains, named LMB 3701 and LMB 3707 were isolated from Debagh hot springs in Algeria and taxonomically identified as Bacillus licheniformis (Accession Numbers LMB3701 No.:KX100031, LMB3707 No.:KX100032). These strains were active against Aspergillus flavus MNHN 994294 and Cladosporium herbarium MNHN 3369. Previously, the active compound exhibiting the antifungal potency was extracted using ethyl acetate as a solvent, characterized by GCMS technique, and identified as 2,4 di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP). However, the presence of fatty acids in a crude extract of LMB3701 explained the additional antifungal activity against Cladosporium herbarium MNHN 336. We concluded that DTBP associated with fatty acid compounds produced by thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis are promising compounds, which might be potentially used as biocontrol agents.