Effect of heavy metals on iturin A production in Bacillus subtilis Biofilm

Biofilm fermentation of Bacillus subtilis RB14 for production of iturin A was studied by supplementation of different heavy metals in the 24- well multiplates. Biofilm formation was observed different when heavy metals were used. Iturin A production was enhanced with Mn2+ supplementation by highly structured biofilm development whichshowed significant contrast to iturin A production in submergedfermentation where no effect of Mn2+ addition was observed. Stabilityof the biofilm was affected as early denaturation of the biofilm wasdetected with the increased concentrations of Mn2+. Supplementationof 0.5 mM of Mn2+ addition was found to be enough for the biofilmdevelopment and iturin A production enhancement.