<< Return to News

Bacillus Utilize VFAs as an Energy Source

If your customer is smelling the result of decomposing organic matter, such as feces, other bodily fluids, dairy, meat, or plant-based materials, chances are they’re smelling a Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA).

MDG Bio

Figure 1. Common odors associated with VFAs.

VFAs are organic acids produced by the microbial metabolism of biomass and food waste; such as dietary fiber, starch, protein, and amino acids. To beat these odors, certain strains of Bacillus have the ability to breakdown VFAs, thereby helping to reduce the problem at the source.

At Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) an in-vitro study was conducted to measure the growth of our Bacillus strains in the presence of VFAs. SporActiv® Foundation was grown in media containing acetate and a combination of common VFAs found in the I&I market; acetate, butyrate, propionate, valerate, isovalerate, and isobutyrate. These VFAs were chosen because of their known connection to unpleasant odors.

 

RESULTS

MDG Bio

Figure 2. Increase in growth of SporActiv® Foundation grown in media containing acetate, or a combination of six VFAs.

The results show that growth of SporActiv® Foundation Bacillus increased by more than 50% when acetate was present, and by more than 100% when the six VFAs were present (Figure 2).

The addition of these VFAs allowed for increased Bacillus growth, indicating the VFAs were utilized by the Bacillus as an energy source. SporActiv® Bacillus will feed off of VFAs and help reduce odor associated with biomass and food waste.

Search Insights
Recently Posted Insights

Bringing MDG’s Innovative Wastewater Solutions to WEFTEC 2025

Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) is excited to announce that we will be attending WEFTEC 2025, the largest annual water quality event in North America. This will be our third year as exhibitors, and we’re looking forward to sharing our expertise with current and...

Get Ready for WEFTEC: Watch Our Wastewater Webinar

We’re excited to see you in Chicago, IL, at WEFTEC 2025! If you’d like to set up a meeting with one of our experts ahead of time, contact us today to get on the schedule. Before you head out, take a peek at some of the expertise we have to offer by watching our...

The Changing Landscape of the Human Health Market in 2025

If you’re a probiotic supplier or manufacturer in the United States, you may be feeling uncertain about the state of the human health market. Unpredictable tariff adjustments and shifting regulatory guidelines on topics like self-affirmed GRAS status are just a couple...

MDG at SIMB 2025: Your Trusted Microbial Contract Manufacturer

Join us at the 2025 Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) Annual Meeting! We’re exhibiting July 27–30 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco. Visit us at Booth #20 to speak with an expert in person and learn more about our capabilities for...

How to Help Your Wastewater Customers Prepare for Winter

The changing of the seasons can have a pronounced effect on wastewater systems, particularly when the weather gets cold. Lower temperatures correspond to a decrease in microbial activity, which slows the treatment process. If you’re looking for a solution for your...

Bacillus: The Smarter Solution for RV Sewage System Treatment

Summer is here, which means your customers might be bringing out their RVs for the first trip of the season. However, even on a carefree camping adventure, RVs need to be maintained, particularly their sewage systems. If you’re looking to add an RV tank treatment to...

Choose Bacillus for Septic System Maintenance

According to the EPA, over 20% of US homes rely on septic systems to treat their wastewater.1 When these systems are not properly maintained, multiple issues can arise, such as backups, odors, and flooding. To offer your customers reliable septic system maintenance...

Related News