LC-MS Analysis and Intracellular and Extracellular Indole 3 Acetic Acid Production Under Different Media by Endophytic Bacteria Associated With Humulus Lupulus

Recently, there has been a worldwide call to explore nature-friendly metabolites, which could enhance plant growth and substitute for chemically synthesized products. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is one of the versatile metabolites that has a potential role for plant growth, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, IAA is commonly synthesized chemically; the majority of reagents used pose environmental pollution. In contrast, biosynthesis through controlled cultivation of endophytes from medicinal plants offers an environmentally sustainable approach.  The current study investigates the endophytic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis SKAM1 isolated from the leaves of Humulus lupulus for IAA production. The identification and characterization of endophytic bacterium was carried out using biochemical and molecular methods. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis of the dried extract of Bacillus licheniformis SKAM1 identified multiple bioactive compounds, including IAA, with potential therapeutic and agricultural applications. Additionally, the IAA quantification was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) across different media. UPLC analysis reveals that Bacillus licheniformis SKAM1 produces IAA in Luria broth medium; the extracellular IAA concentration was determined to be 1.16 mg/mL, whereas the intracellular level reached 1.11 mg/mL. Similarly, culture in minimal medium with extracellular IAA produced at 0.11 mg/mL and intracellular IAA at 0.06 mg/mL. The current study paves the way for exploring the role of abiotic conditions for cost-effective IAA production.