An analysis and optimization of growth condition requirements of the fast-growing bacteriumVibrio natriegens

ABSTRACT The fast-growing Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio natriegens is an attractive host for a range of applications in molecular biology and biotechnology. Moreover, the remarkable speed of growth of Vibrio natriegens poses fundamental questions on bacterial physiology and metabolism, energy production, DNA replication and protein synthesis, besides others. In order to address such questions, a solid understanding of the physiological and physical/chemical basis of growth requirements is essential. Here we report a systematic analysis of i) various growth media composition, ii) incubation temperature, iii) pH dependence, and iv) salt concentration requirements for optimal growth of V. natriegens strain DSMZ 759. As a result of the studies, the following optimal conditions were Established: LB medium with 2.5 % NaCl, pH 7.0 – 8.5 and incubation at 37°C under aerobic conditions. Incubation temperatures above 37 °C slows growth significantly. Incubation temperatures below 37 °C slows growth, but at a lower rate. Incubation at or below 28 °C should be avoided. Under such optimized, standard laboratory conditions, a doubling time of t d = 13.6 minutes was observed for V. natriegens measured in mid-log growth phase. The optimized conditions presented here for the growth of V. natriegens can be easily applied in any standardly equipped laboratory. For comparison, identical growth conditions for Escherichia coli were analyzed and are presented as well. IMPORTANCE Goal of this study was to understand the physiological growths requirements of V. natriegens in routine microbiology and molecular biology laboratory settings. The result is a standardized protocol for the optimized growth of the naturally isolated (wild type) V. natriegens strain DSMZ 759. This protocol can be employed for routine application of V. natriegens for any kind of biochemical, molecular biology and genomic studies and utilization under normal laboratory conditions used by many routinely equipped laboratories.