Racemization rate and biomolecular characterization of D-serine synthesizing bacteria Bacillus tequilensis A1C1.

This article focuses on the isolation and characterization of a bacterial strain, Bacillus tequilensis A1C1, from North Indian soil samples for its ability to synthesize D-serine, a D-amino acid involved in neurological regulation and environmental nitrogen cycling. Using chromatographic and mass spectroscopic analyses, the study identified optimal growth conditions (37°C, pH 7, 150 RPM) under which B. tequilensis A1C1 produced maximal intracellular D-serine (0.919 ± 0.02 nM), with no extracellular secretion detected. The isolate also exhibited protease and gelatinase activity and was confirmed non-pathogenic via hemolysis testing. This research highlights B. tequilensis A1C1 as a potential microbial source of serine racemase for industrial applications, including synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and antipsychotic drugs, while contributing to understanding bacterial roles in environmental organic matter and nitrogen regulation.