The potentials of secondary metabolites from Bacillus cereus SN7 and Vagococcus fluvialis CT21 against fish pathogenic bacteria

Abstract One of the major factors that affect the total production of fisheries is the declining number of catches and aquaculture production due to the high pathogenicity in aquatic environment. This enforces the need to find anti-pathogenic agents that could solve the problem. In addition, the application of potential Bacillus cereus SN7 and Vagococcus fluvialis CT21 isolated and identified from the sea water of Siak, Riau, Indonesia need to be optimally exploited. The aim of this study, therefore, is to determine the component of bioactive compounds present in Bacillus cereus SN7 and Vagococcus fluvialis CT21, and also to explore their intrinsic potential as a biological control agent in fisheries, especially for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The method used was experimental, where the ethyl acetate crude extracts of both samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, followed by thin layer chromatography analysis and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. In addition, anti-pathogenic activity test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer method, minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration analysis. The results showed alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins were the potential bioactive components in the crude extracts of Bacillus cereus SN7 and Vagococcus fluvialis CT21. Furthermore, the anti-pathogenic activity test demonstrated the ability for both bacteria to inhibit three types of pathogens with the following inhibitory zone values: Vibrio alginolyticus (10–11 mm), Aeromonas hydrophila (8–12 mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8–10 mm). In conclusion secondary metabolite compounds produced by Bacillus cereus SN7 and Vagococcus fluvialis CT21 possess the capacity to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Hence, both samples are potential candidates for anti-pathogen development, especially in fisheries.