Exploration of antimicrobial potential of Microbacterium barkeri secondary metabolites: A combined experimental and in silico approach

Halophilic Actinobacterial colonies produce secondary metabolites as a defense mechanism, exhibiting antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research explores the antimicrobial properties of secondary metabolites from Actinobacteria (Microbacterium barkeri) through a comprehensive approach that combines experimental and computational techniques. The Disc diffusion Method revealed significant antimicrobial activity. This underscores its potential as a powerful antimicrobial agent, warranting further investigation. In this study, comparative analysis indicates a link between the composition of secondary metabolites and their antimicrobial efficacy. In silico modelling, particularly molecular docking, was utilized to evaluate the interaction of selected bioactive compounds with antimicrobial receptors Staphylococcus aureus (4rco and 4rho), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1r17), Candida (1zap), and Trichophyton rubrum (7p1q). Compounds like Thiocarbamic acid, N-N-dimethyl, displayed interactions comparable to or superior to standard drugs (Cephalexin), suggesting their potential as promising drug candidates. However, the valuable insights the results provided underscore the importance of conducting thorough experimental validations, such as in vitro and in vivo studies, to confirm the efficacy and safety of identified compounds. It opens up avenues for future research by stressing the need to extensively explore specific bioactive compounds, Thiocarbamic acid, N-N-dimethyl, which could lead to the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics. This interdisciplinary study establishes a groundwork for understanding the therapeutic potential of actinobacterial secondary metabolites and provides a roadmap for creating antimicrobial drugs from natural sources.